The United States announced a sweeping withdrawal from 66 international organisations, marking one of the most significant reversals of American multilateral engagement in decades.
A White House fact sheet released on Wednesday disclosed that President Donald Trump had approved a Presidential Memorandum directing government departments and agencies to terminate participation and funding for the institutions, which the administration insists have drifted away from core national interests.
According to the statement, 35 of the affected bodies are outside the United Nations framework, while 31 operate under the UN system.
“The United States will end its role in organisations that no longer serve American interests,” the White House said, insisting the move would halt what it described as taxpayer support for entities “contrary to U.S. security, economic strength, or sovereignty.”
The directive follows a months-long review of global institutions, treaties, and agreements supported by Washington.
Officials said the assessment found several organisations advancing initiatives that “prioritise global agendas over American needs or produce negligible benefits despite heavy U.S. funding.”
The administration argued that many of the affected bodies have spent years championing climate programmes, governance models, and economic policies it regards as misaligned with national priorities.
“Billions of dollars have gone into these institutions with little meaningful return,” the fact sheet added. “Some undermine U.S. independence, criticise American policies, or simply remain ineffective.”
A Continuation of Trump’s Global Retreat
The development continues the administration’s rollback of international commitments since Trump returned to the White House.
Within days of assuming office, the United States formally exited the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord. The president also declared the OECD’s Global Tax Deal void in the U.S. and ordered a review of foreign taxation rules on American companies.
Weeks later, the administration withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and cut future financial support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine, signalling what insiders described as the clearest break yet from long-standing U.S. foreign policy traditions.
Domestic Priorities Take Centre Stage
The White House said the withdrawals tie into a broader effort to redirect spending toward local concerns.
“He has prioritised American interests by channelling resources into infrastructure, defence readiness, border security and protecting U.S. companies from outside interference,” the statement noted.
While analysts predict criticism at home and abroad over the potential erosion of U.S. influence, officials insisted the step was a recalibration—not isolationism.
“Our message is simple: international partnerships must advance American interests, or the United States will walk away,” the White House added.
In a post on X confirming the directive, the administration disclosed that the affected institutions include 31 UN agencies and 35 non-UN bodies.