All 66 International Organizations the U.S. Left Under Trump

On January 7, 2026, the United States officially withdrew from 66 international organizations, marking one of the most sweeping exits from global institutions in recent history. 

The decision, signed by President Donald Trump, covers a wide range of agencies, commissions, and programs, many linked to the United Nations.

Among the most controversial moves was the U.S. departure from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the treaty that underpins the Paris climate agreement. Climate experts immediately warned that this could undermine international efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and combat extreme weather events.

Stanford climate scientist Rob Jackson noted, “The U.S. withdrawal could hinder global efforts to curb greenhouse gases because it gives other nations the excuse to delay their own actions.” 

Meanwhile, Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Adviser, called the exit “shortsighted, embarrassing, and a foolish decision,” stressing that it forfeits the U.S.’s ability to influence trillions of dollars in climate-related investments and policies.

Trump Administration’s Justification

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move, arguing that many of the organizations were redundant, poorly run, or misaligned with U.S. interests. He stated, “These institutions are unnecessary, wasteful, and in some cases threaten our nation’s sovereignty and prosperity.”

Analysts argue the pattern reflects a shift in U.S. multilateralism toward a “my way or the highway” approach, prioritizing cooperation only on America’s terms. Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group described it as a crystallization of this strategy.

Other Organizations Affected

The withdrawal affects a diverse range of bodies, from climate-focused organizations to cultural, health, and trade agencies. Notable exits include:

• Non-U.N. organizations: International Renewable Energy Agency, International Solar Alliance, International Tropical Timber Organization, 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, Global Counterterrorism Forum.
  
• U.N. organizations: U.N. Population Fund, U.N. Human Settlements Programme, U.N. Entity for Gender Equality, U.N. Oceans, U.N. Democracy Fund, U.N. Institute for Training and Research.
  

The full list totals 66 organizations, reflecting a broad retreat from international cooperation across sectors including climate, health, human rights, energy, and trade.

Global reaction

Allies and international agencies expressed concern over potential gaps in funding, leadership, and coordination. 

Experts warned that Washington’s withdrawal could come at a critical moment when global collaboration is essential to tackle climate change, humanitarian crises, and security challenges.

The U.S. exit from these organizations follows previous withdrawals from the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the U.N. Human Rights Council, highlighting a sustained disengagement from multilateral institutions under Trump’s administration.

Climate and security implications

Scientists and officials have linked climate change to a rise in extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves.

Experts argue that meaningful progress in addressing these crises is difficult without the participation of the U.S., one of the world’s largest emitters.

Adding to the international tension, Trump has again raised controversial proposals regarding Greenland, citing its strategic and mineral value, which drew sharp reactions from Danish leaders.

Full list of the 66 international organisations the United States has announced it will leave – Non-U.N. organisations 

24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact

Colombo Plan Council 

Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Education Cannot Wait 

European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats 

Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories 

Freedom Online Coalition 

Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund 

Global Counterterrorism Forum 

Global Forum on Cyber Expertise 

Global Forum on Migration and Development 

Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research

Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property 

International Cotton Advisory Committee 

International Development Law Organization 

International Energy Forum 

International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies 

International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 

International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law 

International Renewable Energy Agency 

International Solar Alliance 

International Tropical Timber Organization 

International Union for Conservation of Nature 

Pan American Institute of Geography and History 

Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation 

Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia 

Regional Cooperation Council 

Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century 

Science and Technology Center in Ukraine 

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme

Venice Commission of the Council of Europe United Nations organisations 

Department of Economic and Social Affairs 

U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) — Economic Commission for Africa ECOSOC — Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean 

ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific 

ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia 

International Law Commission 

International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals 

International Trade Centre 

Office of the Special Adviser on Africa 

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict 

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict 

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children 

Peacebuilding Commission 

Peacebuilding Fund 

Permanent Forum on People of African Descent 

U.N. Alliance of Civilizations 

U.N. Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries 

U.N. Conference on Trade and Development 

U.N. Democracy Fund 

U.N. Energy 

U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women 

U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change 

U.N. Human Settlements Programme

U.N. Institute for Training and Research

U.N. Oceans

U.N. Population Fund 

U.N. Register of Conventional Arms 

U.N. System Chief Executives Board for Coordination

U.N. System Staff College 

U.N. Water 

U.N. University