US Faces Legal Obligation to Fund UN Agencies Despite Withdrawal Announcement

The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including several UN bodies. However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres insists that the US has a legal obligation to continue funding these agencies. This decision has raised concerns about the future operations of the affected organizations. Guterres emphasized that all member states, including the US, are required to contribute to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets. Despite the withdrawal, he reassured that the UN entities would continue their work. The article delves into the implications of this decision and the historical context of the Trump administration's stance on multilateral organizations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 11:18 IST

US Withdrawal from UN Entities Raises Concerns

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized on Thursday that the United States has a "legal obligation" to fulfill its financial commitments to United Nations agencies. This statement came shortly after the US government declared its intention to withdraw from multiple UN bodies.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum that initiated the US exit from 66 international organizations, which the administration claims no longer align with American interests. Among these, 31 are affiliated with the UN, while the remaining 35 are independent entities.

The UN agencies affected by this withdrawal include the UN Population Fund, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Law Commission, the International Trade Centre, and the Peacebuilding Commission.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, expressed regret over the White House's decision to withdraw from several UN entities.

Dujarric noted that there has been no formal communication from the Trump administration detailing this decision, as reported by various news outlets.

According to Guterres, all member states, including the US, are legally bound under the UN Charter to contribute to the regular and peacekeeping budgets of the organization.

Despite the announcement from the White House, Guterres assured that the affected UN bodies would persist in their operations.

The Trump administration has a history of halting support for various multilateral organizations, including the World Health Organization, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the UN Human Rights Council, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.