US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to leave dozens of international organisations. Many of the affected bodies work on climate policy and environmental protection. Nearly half of the 66 organisations link to the United Nations. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which supports global climate cooperation.
The decision also hits organisations focused on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has long criticised these areas as ideological or globalist. The White House said these organisations no longer serve American interests and promote hostile agendas.
Administration Frames Exit as Defense of Taxpayers
Trump signed the memorandum on Wednesday after an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a waste of taxpayer money. Officials said the move would end US funding for groups opposing national priorities.
The administration said many organisations advance radical climate policies. It added that global governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic power.
Scientists Warn of Damage to Climate Research
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel produces the most influential global climate science reports. Governments rely on its findings to track rising temperatures.
Sources within the panel warned of serious disruption. They said reduced US involvement could affect future studies. The administration has already blocked American scientists from attending a meeting in China.
Restrictions on participation could delay future assessments. The mitigation report faces possible postponement.
Energy, Democracy, and Security Groups Lose US Role
The withdrawal reaches beyond UN-linked organisations. Several independent international groups also lost US participation. These groups focus on clean energy cooperation and democratic governance. They include the International Solar Alliance and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also appears on the list. Trump has previously cut funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly dismissed the scientific consensus on human-driven climate change.
Legal Path Remains Unclear
The United States must wait one year to fully exit the climate convention. In reality, the country reduced participation long ago. Campaigners now urge legal challenges in US courts.
The US constitution explains how presidents join treaties. It offers no guidance on withdrawals. Legal experts say this creates uncertainty for future administrations.
Allies Criticise Retreat From Cooperation
The decision follows a second exit from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to attend the COP30 summit in Brazil. The United States has already left the World Health Organization and other UN agencies.
European leaders criticised the move and warned of weaker global cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the decision damaging. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera accused the administration of ignoring human and environmental costs.
A member of the Union of Concerned Scientists called the move a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to undermine global stability and public wellbeing.
