In a sweeping move underscoring his 'America First' agenda, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, citing their alleged misalignment with American interests. The decision, announced via the White House's official social media account on January 8, 2026, marks one of the most significant foreign policy shifts since Trump began his second term nearly a year ago.
The list of affected entities includes 31 UN-linked bodies such as the UN Economic and Social Council’s regional panels for Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, alongside the International Trade Centre and UN Trade and Development. Non-UN organizations targeted range from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy in Asia—a key maritime security framework.
This move follows Trump’s earlier withdrawals from the World Health Organization, Paris Climate Agreement, and UNESCO during his first year back in office. Analysts note the latest exits disproportionately impact climate and energy initiatives, including the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact and International Renewable Energy Agency.
The announcement comes days before the January 20 anniversary of Trump’s second-term inauguration, with global leaders expressing concern over NATO’s future after Trump publicly questioned the alliance’s commitment to mutual defense. The Danish prime minister’s recent warning about potential U.S. military actions in Greenland has further strained transatlantic relations.
While supporters praise the withdrawals as cost-cutting measures, critics warn they could weaken America’s global influence and hinder cooperation on issues like climate change and regional security—particularly in Asia, where piracy agreements now face uncertainty.
