US President Donald Trump has instructed the United States to leave dozens of international organisations. Many of these bodies focus on climate change and environmental protection. Almost half of the 66 organisations fall under the United Nations system. The list includes the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which underpins global climate cooperation.
The decision also affects organisations working on development, gender equality, and conflict prevention. The administration has repeatedly criticised these areas as ideological. The White House said the organisations no longer serve American interests and promote ineffective agendas.
White House Labels International Organisations a Financial Burden
Trump signed the withdrawal memorandum on Wednesday after an internal review. The White House described the organisations as a drain on taxpayer money. Officials said the move would end US funding and participation in groups that oppose national priorities.
The administration said many organisations promote radical climate policies. It added that international governance efforts weaken US sovereignty and economic strength.
Global Climate Science Faces Setbacks
The United States has also withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel produces the most authoritative climate science reports worldwide. Governments rely on its assessments to understand temperature trends.
Sources inside the panel warned of disruption to ongoing research. They said the withdrawal threatens contributions from US scientists. The administration has already blocked American researchers from attending a meeting in China.
Restrictions on participation could delay future reports. The mitigation report faces a serious risk of postponement.
Clean Energy and Security Groups Also Impacted
The withdrawal reaches beyond UN-linked organisations. Several independent international groups have also lost US participation. These bodies 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 removed funding from multilateral organisations he opposes. He has repeatedly rejected the scientific consensus on human-driven climate change.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounds Treaty Exit
The United States must wait one year to fully withdraw from the climate convention. In reality, the country reduced active participation years ago. Campaigners are now pressing for 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.
European Leaders Criticise US Decision
The decision follows a second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement last year. The administration also declined to attend the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The United States has already exited the World Health Organization and several other UN bodies.
European leaders criticised the move and warned of weakened cooperation. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called the decision regrettable. EU vice-president Teresa Ribera said the administration showed little concern for people and the environment.
A representative from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the move as a new low. Policy director Rachel Cleetus said the administration continues to damage global stability and public wellbeing.
