The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, marking a major escalation in President Donald Trump’s retreat from multilateral global cooperation. The decision was formalized through an executive order signed on January 7, 2026, following a comprehensive review of U.S. participation and funding in global institutions.
Most of the withdrawals involve UN-affiliated bodies, particularly those linked to climate action, labour standards, and social development. A key exit includes the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundational treaty supporting the Paris Agreement, as well as the India–France-led International Solar Alliance. The administration has argued that many of these organisations are redundant, inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests and sovereignty.
The move continues a broader pattern seen during Trump’s presidency, including earlier withdrawals from the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO. While immediate global disruption may be limited, experts warn that the absence of U.S. funding and leadership could weaken climate action, humanitarian assistance, and development initiatives worldwide.
Despite the large-scale exits, Washington has indicated it will maintain selective engagement with strategic bodies such as the International Telecommunications Union, International Maritime Organization, and International Labour Organization, particularly where competition with China is a concern.
The decision reflects a fundamental shift toward unilateral and selectively multilateral engagement, reshaping the future of global governance and international cooperation.
