Trump Withdraws U.S. From 66 International Organizations, Including UN Climate and Population Agencies

President Donald Trump on Jan. 7, 2026 issued a presidential memorandum ordering the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations.

“US President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping pullback from the United Nations system and other international bodies, announcing plans to withdraw the United States from 66 global organisations and treaties, including key forums on climate change, democracy and human rights”

Aaj English TV

The memorandum identified 35 non‑U.N. bodies and 31 U.N. entities.

Aaj English TV

It directed agencies to end participation and, where legally permissible, funding.

An interagency review concluded continued involvement was contrary to the interests of the United States.

The White House framed the action as part of a broader "America First" rollback of multilateral engagement that follows earlier exits from the WHO, UNESCO and the Paris framework.

The administration said it will continue to engage selectively where strategic value remains.

The list singles out a range of climate, health and development bodies.

Notable climate-related targets reported by multiple outlets include the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

AfricaBrief

The U.S. also plans to withdraw from population and gender agencies such as the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, along with specialized technical bodies from the International Renewable Energy Agency to the International Solar Alliance.

Some reports note the White House list misclassified certain bodies (for example, listing the IPCC as a non-UN entity).

The White House said a review found many international bodies redundant, mismanaged, wasteful, or captured by actors pursuing agendas the administration says undermine U.S. sovereignty and prosperity.

“The sweeping changes will see the US quit major forums for cooperation on climate change, peace and democracy”

Al Jazeera

Administration officials framed the retreat as protecting American sovereignty and resisting 'globalist' or 'radical' agendas, while some outlets and officials said the policy would still allow selective engagement where U.S. interests align.

Critics and experts warned of practical and political fallout.

Climate and science groups said exiting U.N. climate mechanisms risks ceding influence and slowing emissions progress.

Al-Jazeera Net

Humanitarian and development actors warned of program cuts and staffing losses at U.N. agencies already hit by earlier U.S. funding reductions.

Policy analysts described the stance as a transactional, unilateralist shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Commentators cited names such as Gina McCarthy, Daniel Forti and David Widawsky to underscore those warnings.

Operationally, the memorandum leaves significant legal and procedural questions.

“The article describes a sharp shift in U”

Associated Press

For U.N. entities, the directive defines withdrawal as ending participation or funding "to the extent permitted by law," and the State Department said further guidance and a Federal Register notice would follow.

Associated Press

Several outlets flagged potential legal challenges because U.S. law and the Constitution provide unclear paths for unilateral treaty withdrawal.

The U.N. had not immediately publicly responded in some reports, and the State Department indicated reviews are ongoing, suggesting further changes could follow.