US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to exit dozens of international organisations. Many of these groups focus on climate change and environmental protection. Nearly half of the 66 affected organisations are linked to the United Nations. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which underpins global climate cooperation.
The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological or globalist. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and pursue hostile or ineffective agendas.
White House Calls Withdrawals a Defense of National Interests
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday after an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a waste of taxpayer money. Officials said the move would end US funding and involvement in groups prioritising global agendas over national priorities.
The administration said many organisations promote radical climate policies. It added that international governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic strength.
Climate Science Work Faces Significant Disruption
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel produces the world’s most authoritative climate science reports. Governments rely on its findings to monitor rising global temperatures.
Sources inside the panel warned the withdrawal could disrupt ongoing research. They said reduced US involvement threatens contributions from American scientists. The administration has already blocked US researchers from attending a meeting in China.
Restrictions on participation could delay upcoming reports. The mitigation report, a key guide for global climate action, faces a serious risk of postponement.
Energy, Security, and Democracy Groups Lose US Support
The withdrawal extends beyond UN-linked organisations. Several independent international bodies also lost US membership. These groups focus on clean energy cooperation and democratic governance. They include the International Solar Alliance and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also appears on the list. Trump has previously cut funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly dismissed the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.
Legal Uncertainty Clouds Treaty Exits
The United States must wait one year to fully leave the climate convention. In practice, the country reduced active participation years ago. Campaigners are now urging legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution explains how presidents enter treaties. It does not specify how withdrawals should occur. Legal experts say this leaves uncertainty for future administrations.
Global Leaders Criticise US Decision
The move follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to send a delegation to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The United States has already left the World Health Organization and several other UN agencies.
European leaders criticised the decision and warned it would weaken global cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the move regrettable. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera said the administration ignored environmental and human concerns.
A representative from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the step as a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to undermine public wellbeing and global stability.
