In a sweeping move targeting international organisations, US President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of the United States from 31 entities linked to the United Nations and 35 non-UN organisations, citing that these bodies “no longer serve American interests.” The directive bars US departments and agencies from participating in or funding the listed organisations.
The White House stated that the affected entities “operate contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty” and prioritise globalist agendas over American priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further described the organisations as actively seeking to limit US sovereignty, referring to them as the “multilateral NGO-plex.” Rubio added that the US will cooperate where it aligns with national interests but will “stand firm” where it does not.
Many of the targeted organisations operate in areas such as climate change, gender equality, population control, trade, and economic development, which the administration claims conflict with the administration’s policies and ideology. Key UN bodies on the list include the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Population Fund, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, regional economic and social commissions, and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
While some of these organisations receive direct US contributions, others are funded through the UN’s regular budget, of which the US contributes approximately 22 per cent. Trump has not yet released the $820 million approved by Congress for 2025 and has proposed cutting this year’s contribution by $610 million.
This action continues Trump’s broader campaign against UN-linked institutions. In previous decisions, the US withdrew from UNESCO, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and the UN Human Rights Council. Other UN offices affected include those addressing children in armed conflict, sexual violence, and child protection. Non-UN organisations also impacted include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Solar Alliance.
Rubio framed the decision as enforcing the “America First” policy, stating that what began as a framework for international cooperation has transformed into a global governance structure dominated by progressive ideology, disconnected from US interests. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has not issued an immediate response to the withdrawal.
The move signals a major shift in US foreign policy and its engagement with multilateral organisations, particularly on issues related to climate, trade, and social development, reflecting the administration’s ideological priorities over global collaboration.
