In a landmark foreign policy directive, President Donald Trump has mandated the immediate withdrawal of the United States from numerous international bodies through a presidential memorandum issued Wednesday. This decisive action follows an extensive review process initiated under Executive Order 14199, signed February 4, 2025, which required comprehensive evaluation of all international organizations, conventions, and treaties involving U.S. membership or support.
The Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. representative to the United Nations, conducted the review that formed the basis of the presidential determination. After examining the findings and consulting with Cabinet members, President Trump concluded that continued participation in certain organizations contradicted American interests.
The memorandum specifically targets 35 non-UN organizations including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Freedom Online Coalition, Global Counterterrorism Forum, and Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Additionally, the directive orders withdrawal from 31 United Nations entities encompassing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Population Fund, UN Women, UN Conference on Trade and Development, Peacebuilding Commission and Fund, plus various offices addressing children in armed conflict, gender-based violence, and African development.
All executive departments and agencies have been instructed to implement these withdrawals as rapidly as legally permissible, with the understanding that for UN entities, withdrawal may involve ceasing participation or funding to the maximum extent allowed by law. The administration has indicated this review remains ongoing, suggesting potential additional actions as further findings emerge from the State Department.