Trump Goes ‘America Alone’—US Withdraws From 66 Global Bodies To Save ‘Billions Of Taxpayer Dollars’

The United States has withdrawn from the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and 65 other international organizations, marking the largest rupture in global cooperation since World War II. President Trump’s directive ends American participation and funding across these bodies, reshaping diplomatic ties worldwide.

Immediate Fallout

UN climate chief Simon Stiell called the move a colossal own goal, stating it would leave the US less secure and less prosperous. The presidential memorandum halts contributions to 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN groups, impacting areas from climate research to peacekeeping and women’s rights. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the organizations as redundant, mismanaged, wasteful, and threats to US sovereignty.

Unprecedented Scale

This action surpasses any prior US retreat from multilateral bodies, including post-World War II isolationism. It severs ties with foundational climate mechanisms, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, stripping American input from global scientific assessments. No other major economy has exited the core climate treaty, leaving the US as the sole outlier alongside nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.

Organizations Affected

The UN list includes UN Women, UN Population Fund, UN Conference on Trade and Development, Peacebuilding Commission, UN Democracy Fund, and offices on children in armed conflict and sexual violence. Non-UN bodies encompass the International Renewable Energy Agency, International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and Freedom Online Coalition. The administration targeted groups promoting diversity initiatives, gender equity, and climate policies, viewing them as constraints on US sovereignty.

Financial and Legal Shockwaves

The US contributed over $21 billion to 179 organizations in fiscal year 2022, covering 22% of the UN’s regular budget and 26% of peacekeeping costs. Withdrawals trigger crises for groups reliant on these funds, compounded by $1.5 billion in existing US arrears out of $2.4 billion owed. Humanitarian aid drops from $8-10 billion annually to $2 billion, hitting responses in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted mandatory funding obligations under treaties, but the administration bypasses standard withdrawal processes requiring advance notice.

Global Repercussions

China and Russia remain in key forums like the Global Counterterrorism Forum, International Energy Forum, and UN Peacebuilding Commission, positioning them to fill leadership voids. Experts like Zhu Jiejin of Fudan University highlight the escalation from Trump’s first term, where procedures were followed; this time, funding and participation cease immediately. Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group described it as a my-way-or-the-highway approach to multilateralism. The moves reverse Biden-era rejoinings to the Paris Agreement, WHO, UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO, plus prior exits from WHO, UNRWA, and USAID’s dissolution.

Path Forward

Organizations pledge continuity despite 22% budget shortfalls, such as at the UNFCCC secretariat. Further reviews signal more exits, while the US plans selective engagement in areas like the International Telecommunications Union to counter China. This recalibrates the postwar order, forcing other nations to boost funding, scale back programs, or redefine cooperation without reliable American support. The shifts carry long-term stakes for climate action, security, and global stability as power dynamics realign.