United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to withdraw the US from 66 United Nations and international organizations, including key forums for climate change, democracy promotion, and global peace. The move, announced in a presidential memorandum on January 8, 2026, also includes the immediate cessation of all US funding to the affected entities.

Scope of the Withdrawals

According to the White House, the decision followed a review of “organizations, conventions, and treaties that are contrary to the interests of the United States.” The list includes:

• 35 non-UN organizations, such as:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature

Notably, the IPCC, while listed as non-UN, is technically a UN body that provides scientific assessments to guide global climate policy.

• 31 UN entities, including:
  • The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • The UN Democracy Fund
  • UNFPA, the UN agency for maternal and child health
  • The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict

These withdrawals target organizations involved in climate action, democracy promotion, health, and protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

Trump’s Previous UN Actions

Trump has repeatedly signaled a desire to reduce US involvement in international institutions while maintaining leverage on the global stage. During his first and second administrations, he:

• Withdrew the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the UN Human Rights Council
• Threatened sanctions on diplomats who adopted shipping fuel levies
• Sanctioned UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese for reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict
• Cut aid to countries that supported UN resolutions opposing US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The US holds significant influence in the UN as a permanent member of the Security Council, with veto power over measures it opposes—a power Trump has used repeatedly in disputes involving Israel.

Impact on Funding

US contributions to these organizations have been substantial. For example:

• Between 2024 and 2025, the US provided $261 million to the WHO, accounting for about 18% of the agency’s funding.
• Funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) remains blocked, continuing a ban initiated under Biden.

The withdrawal from the WHO is set to take effect on January 22, 2026, marking exactly one year since the initial withdrawal order.

International Response

The UN has indicated it will respond formally to the announcement. A spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the organization expected to provide a statement by Thursday morning. The decision has raised concerns among global leaders about the US retreating from climate action, human rights, and multilateral diplomacy.