U.S. Withdraws from Dozens of International Organizations, Including UN Bodies and Climate Treaties
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
January 10, 2026
In a sweeping move that signals a dramatic shift toward unilateralism, President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on January 7, 2026, directing the immediate withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed “contrary to the interests of the United States.” The action, building on Executive Order 14199 issued in February 2025, includes 31 UN-related entities and 35 non-UN organizations, with a heavy focus on climate-focused bodies, human rights groups, and multilateral forums accused of promoting “globalist agendas,” “radical climate policies,” and ideological programs that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic priorities.
Here are images from the White House signing ceremony and related UN headquarters visuals, illustrating the symbolic break from multilateral cooperation:
These photos capture President Trump at the signing table and the UN building in New York, where many affected entities operate.
The Memorandum: Scope and Rationale
The presidential memorandum, titled “Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States,” follows a comprehensive State Department review ordered under Executive Order 14199. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the targeted bodies as “redundant, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by foreign interests, or a threat to our nation’s sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity.”
Key highlights from the White House fact sheet:
- Cease participation and funding for all listed entities “as soon as possible.”
- Many promote “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs” that undermine U.S. independence.
- This builds on earlier actions in Trump’s second term, including withdrawals from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement (for the second time), and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The list encompasses a broad range, from environmental science bodies to development and gender equity initiatives labeled as advancing “woke” or diversity-focused mandates.
Here are additional visuals of key climate-related organizations affected, including the UNFCCC headquarters in Bonn and IPCC report releases:
These images highlight the global forums now without U.S. involvement.
Major Climate-Related Withdrawals
The most prominent and controversial elements involve climate cooperation:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) — The foundational 1992 treaty (Senate-ratified) that underpins all international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement. Withdrawal marks the first time any nation has exited this bedrock accord.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — The UN’s premier climate science body, responsible for comprehensive global assessments.
- Other environmental groups: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), International Solar Alliance, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, and more.
These exits compound the U.S. re-withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (effective January 27, 2026), isolating the nation from the primary framework for addressing global warming amid record-high temperatures and escalating extreme weather events.
Broader Affected Entities
Beyond climate, withdrawals include:
- UN Population Fund (UNFPA) — Focused on maternal/child health and reproductive rights.
- UN Democracy Fund and related governance bodies.
- Non-UN groups like the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Global Counterterrorism Forum, and Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation.
The administration argues these entities waste taxpayer dollars on ineffective or hostile agendas, with Secretary Rubio stating: “The days of billions in taxpayer money flowing to foreign interests at the expense of our people are over.”
Here are images representing the diverse scope — from UN assembly halls to renewable energy projects and human rights forums:
These visuals show the range of multilateral work now cut off from U.S. support.
International Reactions and Criticisms
The decision has drawn sharp condemnation from global leaders and experts:
- UN climate chief Simon Stiell called it a “colossal own goal” that harms U.S. economy, jobs, and safety amid worsening wildfires, floods, and storms.
- EU officials described the UNFCCC exit as “regrettable and unfortunate,” warning it weakens global cooperation.
- Environmental groups like the Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists labeled it an “embarrassing” retreat that isolates America and cedes leadership on critical issues.
Critics argue the move assaults multilateralism, human rights, and climate action at a time of heightened global challenges. Supporters, including the administration, frame it as reclaiming sovereignty and ending wasteful spending.
As agencies implement the withdrawals — a process that may face legal hurdles for Senate-ratified treaties like the UNFCCC — the U.S. signals a deeper pivot to “America First” policies. This comes amid other geopolitical actions, raising questions about the future of international alliances and cooperation.
Juba Global News Network will continue covering this major development. For the full memorandum, list of organizations, and ongoing analysis, visit JubaGlobal.com. Stay informed in an era of shifting global dynamics.
