The United States has announced that it is withdrawing from dozens of international bodies that no longer serve American interests. Some of these governing bodies include major United Nations and non-United Nations forums focused on climate, migration, social policy, peace, and democracy.
President Donald Trump had signed a memorandum suspending support for a total of 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions “that operate contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty,” the White House said on Thursday, according to a report by RT.
“These withdrawals end taxpayer support for entities that advance globalist agendas over U.S. priorities or address key issues inefficiently,” the statement read, adding that many of them targeted “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs conflicting with US sovereignty and economic strength.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the decision on X, saying: “Trump is clear: no more sending American taxpayers’ money abroad with little to show for it,” Rubio said in a statement released by the U.S. State Department, noting that Washington will continue reviewing its commitments to other international forums.
The withdrawals follow Trump’s earlier exits from the Paris climate accord, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Trump administration has also made major funding cuts to UN agencies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Critics of this policy have called it a “new low.” Rachel Cleetus, senior policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said it was another sign that Trump’s “authoritarian” and “anti-science” administration was determined to destabilize global cooperation. Gina McCarthy, former White House climate adviser, said it is “shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish” to leave UN climate processes specifically.
Remember, critics were also concerned after Trump pulled the U.S. from the Paris climate accord agreement as well. However, others say this isn’t good enough. Some republicans insist that the U.S. needs to withdraw from the UN entirely.