The United States has formally withdrawn from dozens of international organisations, including key groups focused on addressing climate change, following a directive signed by President Donald Trump. The move marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to multilateral cooperation and global environmental policy.
The White House confirmed that the US will exit 66 international bodies, nearly half of which are linked to the United Nations. Among the most prominent is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the treaty that serves as the foundation for global efforts to limit climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
White House Cites National Interest
In a statement released on Wednesday, the administration said the decision followed an internal review that concluded US participation in these organisations no longer aligned with national priorities. Officials argued that the groups promoted agendas that were ineffective, overly ideological, or contrary to American economic and sovereignty interests.
The White House said the withdrawals would end US funding and involvement in bodies it believes prioritise global governance over domestic concerns. It added that several of the organisations support climate policies viewed by the administration as burdensome to the US economy.
Climate and Science Bodies Affected
The list of organisations includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a leading scientific body that assesses climate research worldwide. The IPCC’s findings have long informed international climate negotiations and national policy decisions.
Other affected UN-linked agencies work on issues ranging from peace-building and democratic governance to family planning, maternal and child health, and the prevention of sexual violence during armed conflicts.
Legal and Political Implications
While the US Constitution outlines how the country can enter treaties with Senate approval, it does not clearly define the process for withdrawal. Legal experts say this ambiguity could open the door to court challenges against the administration’s decision, particularly for treaties that were previously ratified by Congress.
Critics argue that leaving long-standing international agreements risks weakening the country’s global influence and undermining cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, public health, and security.
Reaction From Scientific and Advocacy Groups
US-based advocacy organisations expressed concern over the announcement. A senior policy official from the Union of Concerned Scientists described the move as a serious setback for global collaboration, warning that it could hinder efforts to address climate risks and protect public wellbeing.
The group said the withdrawal signals a continued rejection of scientific consensus on climate change and a broader retreat from evidence-based policymaking.
Part of a Broader Pattern
The decision follows earlier steps by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate funding for multilateral institutions it has criticised in the past. Last year, the US also withdrew from the Paris climate agreement and declined to participate in the COP30 climate summit hosted by Brazil.
Supporters of the administration say the policy reflects a commitment to putting domestic interests first. Critics counter that the move could isolate the US at a time when international cooperation is seen by many experts as essential to tackling global challenges.