> At a Glance
> – President Trump signed an order suspending U.S. support for 66 international bodies, including the U.N. climate treaty and population fund
> – The move targets agencies labeled “woke,” redundant, or threats to sovereignty
> – Previous exits include WHO, UNRWA, UNESCO
> – Why it matters: The U.S. will lose influence over trillions in climate investments and global standards while rivals like China gain ground
The Trump administration’s latest executive order accelerates America’s retreat from multilateral cooperation, yanking funding from 66 organizations overnight.
The Sweeping Exit
The list spans climate, labor, migration and cultural entities. Among the departed:
- U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change – the 1992 treaty underpinning the Paris Agreement
- U.N. Population Fund – provides reproductive-health services worldwide
- Non-U.N. bodies such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the institutions were found to be:
- Redundant or mismanaged
- Captured by foreign agendas
- Wasteful or poorly run
- A threat to U.S. sovereignty and prosperity
Climate Repercussions
By quitting the UNFCCC, Washington surrenders its seat at the table governing trillions in climate finance and disaster planning.
Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Adviser, called the decision:
> “Shortsighted, embarrassing, and a foolish decision.”
Stanford scientist Rob Jackson warned:
> “It gives other nations the excuse to delay their own actions and commitments.”
Funding Priorities Shift
Officials say money will be redirected to U.N. technical agencies where the U.S. competes with China:
| Target Agencies | Focus |
|---|---|
| International Telecommunications Union | Telecom standards |
| International Maritime Organization | Shipping rules |
| International Labor Organization | Worker protections |
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. is now the only country outside the UNFCCC
- America’s absence could slow global emission cuts
- Previous aid cuts via USAID already closed numerous NGO projects
- The administration sees the moves as reclaiming taxpayer value and national control
The departures mark the sharpest break yet from decades of bipartisan engagement with the U.N. system.
