Trump Orders Withdrawal from 31 UN Bodies, 35 Other Global Institutions
Daniel Theophilus Cole 
Washington, D.C.: President Donald J. Trump has directed the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organizations, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and multilateral engagement.
In a presidential memorandum issued this week, the administration ordered the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, including 31 entities operating within the United Nations system and 35 non-UN global bodies, according to official documents released by the White House.
The memorandum instructs U.S. government agencies to end participation and, where legally permitted, suspend financial contributions to the affected organizations. The administration said the decision is intended to refocus American diplomacy and taxpayer resources on institutions and partnerships that deliver “clear and direct benefits” to U.S. national interests.
White House officials argue that many of the targeted organizations have become ineffective, overly bureaucratic, or misaligned with U.S. policy priorities. The move follows a broader pattern under President Trump of reducing U.S. involvement in multilateral frameworks viewed by his administration as limiting American sovereignty or influence.
While the directive covers numerous United Nations agencies and affiliated bodies, officials emphasized that not all withdrawals will be immediate. Some exits will require formal legal processes, treaty obligations, or congressional coordination, meaning implementation timelines may vary.
International reaction has been mixed. Supporters of the decision say it reinforces U.S. independence in global affairs, while critics warn the move could weaken international cooperation on issues such as development, humanitarian response, public health, and climate coordination.
The administration said further details, including a full breakdown of the affected organizations and timelines for disengagement, will be released in phases as agencies carry out the directive.
