The Trump administration plans to exit numerous international organizations, including the UN’s population agency and the UN treaty that facilitates global climate negotiations, as part of a broader move away from global collaboration. President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting support for 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions in response to a directive to review U.S. participation and funding in international entities, including those linked to the United Nations. The majority of the affected organizations are UN-affiliated bodies focusing on climate, labor, and other areas categorized by the administration as emphasizing diversity and “woke” initiatives. Non-UN entities on the list include the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
The State Department stated that these institutions were deemed redundant, poorly managed, unnecessary, wasteful, influenced by actors with conflicting agendas, or perceived as threats to national sovereignty, freedoms, and prosperity. This decision to withdraw from organizations promoting international collaboration on global challenges coincides with recent military actions and threats by the administration, such as involvement in Venezuela and interest in Greenland.
Previously, the administration suspended support for entities like the World Health Organization, the UN Relief and Works Agency, the UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO, while selectively prioritizing payments to international bodies aligning with Trump’s policies. This departure from addressing global issues through multilateral cooperation is a significant departure from past administrations’ approaches and has led to staffing and program cuts within the UN system.
The withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change represents the latest move by the Trump administration to distance the U.S. from international initiatives related to climate change. This treaty, essential for the Paris climate agreement, aims to support climate activities in developing countries. Trump’s skepticism towards climate change led to the U.S. exiting the Paris agreement shortly after his presidency began, prompting criticism from climate experts and advocates. Scientists emphasize the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change, warning that U.S. disengagement could hinder progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the decision to cut ties with the UN’s population agency, which offers reproductive health services worldwide, reflects longstanding Republican opposition based on accusations of coercive abortion practices. While the U.S. under Trump reduced funding for this agency, the Biden administration restored support after a subsequent review found no substantiation for the allegations. The State Department disclosed plans to withdraw from several other organizations, with ongoing reviews to assess further exits.