US Withdraws from 66 International Bodies

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will withdraw from 66 international organizations and bodies. The executive order specifically targets organizations focused on tackling climate change, trade, conservation, reproductive rights, and immigration. Among the targeted groups, the US will no longer participate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This decision follows the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement in early 2025.

The White House claims the targeted organizations promote radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs that conflict with US sovereignty and economic strength. The administration asserts that withdrawing from these bodies will save taxpayers money. However, the White House fact sheet did not specify the amount of savings or how the funds will be reallocated. The move marks a significant shift in US foreign policy regarding global collaboration and environmental regulation.

The executive order affects a wide range of international bodies. Beyond the major climate organizations, the US will withdraw from the International Trade Centre, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the UN Population Fund, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The scope of the withdrawal indicates a broad policy shift away from international cooperation in these sectors.

For organizations affiliated with the United Nations, the end of US participation includes a withdrawal of financial support. This loss of funding could have significant operational impacts on the affected bodies. The administration's rationale focuses on protecting national interests and avoiding what it describes as conflicting ideological programs. The decision to exit these deliberative bodies aligns with a consistent theme of the second Trump administration: pushing back against global organizations and regulations.

The executive order has drawn sharp criticism from climate advocates and political opponents. Former Vice President Al Gore issued a statement strongly condemning the move. He argued that the decision undermines decades of diplomatic progress and attacks the integrity of climate science.

"By withdrawing from the IPCC, UNFCCC, and the other vital international partnerships, the Trump administration is undoing decades of hard-won diplomacy, attempting to undermine climate science and sowing distrust around the world,"

said Al Gore. The criticism highlights the potential for damaged international relations and a setback for global climate initiatives. The withdrawal signals a rejection of the scientific consensus and international frameworks established to address environmental crises.

The actual impact of the US withdrawals remains an unknown variable. While the loss of financial backing is a tangible consequence, the specific operational effects are unclear. For instance, the US remains involved with the International Energy Agency, which continues to work on global clean energy solutions. Additionally, a UN official noted that many of the organizations the administration decided to exit were merely deliberative bodies or groups the US was only marginally involved in previously.

This move fits into a larger pattern of the second Trump administration's stance on global regulation. The administration has taken steps to push back against international organizations, particularly regarding technology and trade. Notably, the US withdrew from trade talks with Canada in June 2025 over the country's digital services tax. Furthermore, the US recently banned former EU commissioner Thierry Breton from entering the country due to his role in creating the Digital Services Act. These actions collectively illustrate a continued trend of prioritizing national sovereignty over international cooperation.