President Donald J. Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations that the administration says “no longer serve American interests,” according to a White House announcement.
The directive, framed as part of Trump’s America First agenda, targets both United Nations entities and other global bodies that officials describe as costly, bureaucratic, and misaligned with U.S. priorities.
Under the order, the U.S. will move to quit 35 non‑UN organizations and 31 UN-affiliated entities, instructing federal agencies to halt participation and begin steps to wind down funding where permitted by law. Senior administration officials say the review focused on organizations perceived as undermining U.S. sovereignty, advancing “globalist” policy agendas, or failing to deliver measurable benefits to American taxpayers.
The move is expected to affect a wide range of multilateral forums, including some focused on climate, development, and scientific cooperation, and is likely to trigger strong reactions from allies and international partners who rely on U.S. engagement. Supporters of the decision argue that it will allow Washington to reallocate resources to bilateral partnerships and domestic priorities, while critics warn it could weaken U.S. influence and leave a vacuum for rival powers in global governance.
