According to a White House announcement on Jan. 7, 2026, the United States will withdraw from 66 global organizations and entities, including 31 related to the United Nations and 35 that are not. In the case of the United Nations-related organizations, the presidential memo stated that withdrawal meant putting an end to participation and financial support “to the extent permitted by law.” These groups include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and dozens of other entities focused on health, development, and related global matters. The action follows a required review conducted by the State Department under Executive Order 14199, and further reviews could prompt additional withdrawals.
Officials described the pull-outs as a matter of budget and governance, noting that some memberships did not benefit U.S. foreign policy and should be reviewed for long-term engagement. A White House fact sheet stated that the action is part of efforts to prioritize U.S. sovereignty in foreign policy and instructs agencies to withdraw assessed and voluntary contributions as allowed under law. The memo correlates this action with the review process initiated under Executive Order 14199 as of Feb. 4, 2025. While supporters argue that the move gives Washington greater control over its finances, critics warn that it could weaken U.S. influence in shaping international policies.
The extent of the withdrawals has also raised legal and diplomatic questions, particularly regarding treaties and longstanding agreements. Media outlets have questioned whether a president can withdraw from a Senate-approved treaty such as the UNFCCC, and what commitments remain during the withdrawal process. According to the news agency Reuters, UN officials and some diplomats expressed concern that the U.S. exit from major international agencies could reduce the country’s influence in setting global rules and complicate cooperation on climate initiatives. The move is a “colossal own goal,” and it would leave the United States “less secure and less prosperous,” UN climate chief Simon Stiell said.
