U.S. exits 66 international bodies including UN climate treaty

Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Jan. 7, 2026, withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations. The memo directs all executive departments and agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities. Nearly half the targeted bodies are UN-related agencies, commissions, and advisory panels. Trump signed the order following a review he ordered in Feb. 2025 via Executive Order 14199.

The United States is exiting the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a foundational treaty ratified by the Senate in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush. The treaty underpins all international efforts to combat global warming. Exiting it goes beyond Trump's 2017 withdrawal from the Paris Agreement by abandoning the underlying treaty structure. Other climate-related bodies include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and multiple UN economic commissions.

Secretary of State conducted the review and reported findings on which organizations are 'contrary to the interests of the United States.' Trump said he considered the report and, after deliberating with his Cabinet, determined it's in U.S. interests to withdraw from all 66 entities. The White House released the complete list of targeted organizations on Jan. 8, 2026.

The White House said the withdrawals will 'end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over U.S. priorities.' The statement described many organizations as 'a waste of taxpayer dollars' that promote 'radical climate policies, global governance, and other ideologies opposed to American sovereignty.' The administration framed the decision as restoring American independence and sovereignty.

Many targeted organizations focus on climate, labor standards, migration, development assistance, gender equality, and conflict resolution. The Trump administration categorized these as catering to 'diversity and woke initiatives.' UN entities include the Economic and Social Council's regional commissions for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Pacific, and Western Asia. Groups working on democracy promotion and human rights are also on the list.

The mass withdrawal represents America's further retreat from global cooperation on multilateral challenges. The U.S. is exiting forums for climate negotiations, labor protections, and development coordination that took decades to build. Allied nations including European countries have expressed concern about the withdrawals undermining international institutions. Climate advocates warn that U.S. exit from the Framework Convention on Climate Change damages global efforts to address warming.

The memo gives no timeline for completing withdrawals or transitioning U.S. roles in these organizations. International treaties often have formal withdrawal procedures requiring notice periods. The Framework Convention on Climate Change withdrawal likely requires notification to the UN Secretary-General. Some organizations may lose significant funding with U.S. exit, as the U.S. has historically been among the largest contributors to UN bodies and international institutions.