Trump's Bold Move: US Exits Over 60 International Organizations, Including Key Climate Initiatives

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has declared the United States' withdrawal from over 60 international organizations, including the International Solar Alliance. This decision, framed as a response to institutions deemed contrary to American interests, has sparked discussions about the future of US foreign policy. The administration argues that many of these organizations are redundant and mismanaged, prioritizing globalist agendas over national sovereignty. As the US takes this bold step, the implications for international cooperation and climate initiatives remain to be seen. Read on to discover the full list of organizations affected and the administration's rationale behind this decision.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 17:17 IST

US Withdrawal from International Bodies

Washington: President Donald Trump has announced the United States' exit from more than 60 international organizations, including various UN agencies and the International Solar Alliance, which is co-led by India and France. He labeled these institutions as "redundant" and detrimental to American interests.

On Wednesday, Trump signed a memorandum titled ‘Withdrawing the United States from International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States.’

Following the signing, Trump stated that he believes it is against US interests to remain involved with or support 66 organizations, both UN and non-UN.

This decision encompasses 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN organizations that, according to a White House fact sheet, operate against US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty.

Trump instructed all executive departments and agencies to expedite the withdrawal process from these organizations as soon as feasible.

For UN entities, this withdrawal entails halting participation and funding as permitted by law.

Among the organizations listed is the International Solar Alliance, which aims to unite global efforts to combat climate change through solar energy solutions.

Launched at COP21 in Paris in 2015, the ISA is headquartered in India and has expanded its membership to include all UN member states.

Currently, over 100 countries are signatories, with more than 90 having ratified to become full members. The ISA's goal is to mobilize USD 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 while lowering technology and financing costs.

A UN spokesperson confirmed they have received the complete list of organizations from which the Trump administration is withdrawing the US and will provide comments later.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, remarked that the US will cease funding or participating in international organizations that do not align with American interests.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump Administration views these 66 institutions as "redundant, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, and often serving agendas contrary to our own or threatening our sovereignty and prosperity."

"President Trump is clear: It is no longer acceptable to send taxpayer money to these institutions with little to show for it. The era of billions in taxpayer dollars flowing to foreign interests at the expense of Americans is over," Rubio emphasized.

He added that the list of withdrawing institutions illustrates how what began as a pragmatic framework for international cooperation has evolved into a complex structure of global governance, often influenced by progressive ideologies disconnected from national interests.

"From DEI mandates to 'gender equity' campaigns to climate orthodoxy, many international organizations now promote a globalist agenda rooted in discredited ideologies," he stated.

These organizations are seen as attempts to undermine American sovereignty, supported by elite networks that the administration has begun dismantling through the closure of USAID.

"We will not continue to waste resources, diplomatic capital, and the legitimacy of our participation in institutions that conflict with our interests. We prioritize cooperation that benefits our citizens and will firmly oppose where it does not," he asserted.

"Today, President Trump declared the US is exiting 66 organizations deemed anti-American or wasteful. A review of additional organizations is still in progress," Rubio noted.

"These withdrawals fulfill a key promise made by President Trump to the American people – to stop subsidizing globalist bureaucrats acting against our interests. The Trump Administration will always prioritize America and its citizens," he added.

The withdrawal list includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Also included are the UN Economic and Social Council, Economic Commission for Africa, and various UN offices focused on children in armed conflict and sexual violence.

Trump has consistently criticized the UN and its agencies. Shortly after taking office, he signed an executive order to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, echoing a similar directive from his first term.

In the early weeks of his second term, Trump ordered the US to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and review its membership in UNESCO, while suspending funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

During his address at the UN General Assembly last September, Trump delivered a strong critique of the organization, questioning its effectiveness.

"What is the purpose of the United Nations? It has tremendous potential, but it is not living up to that potential. For the most part, they seem to issue strongly worded letters that lead to no action. Empty words do not resolve conflicts," Trump stated.