US To Exit 66 International Agencies In Retreat From Cooperation

The United States is pulling out of 66 international organizations as the Trump administration escalates its retreat from multilateral cooperation. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump suspends U.S. support for a wide range of United Nations-linked agencies and other global institutions dealing with climate, migration, labor, population, and development policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the targeted bodies are wasteful, mismanaged, or advancing agendas incompatible with U.S. interests. The list includes the U.N. Population Fund, the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change — the treaty underpinning the Paris Agreement — as well as the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the Global Counterterrorism Forum. The administration has already frozen support for the WHO, UNRWA, UNESCO, and the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Critics say the move cements Washington’s “my way or the highway” approach to multilateralism and leaves the U.S. isolated on global challenges, particularly climate change. Climate scientists warn that America’s departure from the UNFCCC weakens international emissions-reduction efforts and risks encouraging other countries to slow their own climate action. Former White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy called the withdrawal short-sighted and economically damaging, saying it surrenders U.S. influence over trillions in global climate-related investment.

Trump officials insist the U.S. will instead focus resources on institutions where it can counter China and shape global standards, such as maritime, labor, and telecommunications bodies. But for many NGOs and U.N. programs already hit by U.S. aid cuts, the latest withdrawals mean more closures, layoffs, and scaled-back services.

The decision marks a sharp break from prior Republican and Democratic administrations that viewed international institutions — however imperfect — as central to advancing U.S. interests abroad. Analysts warn the exits could have lasting diplomatic and practical consequences, from reduced climate coordination to diminished U.S. leverage on global norms.

Key Takeaways

1. Trump orders U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations, many U.N.-linked.

2. Climate cooperation is hit hard as the U.S. exits the UNFCCC treaty framework.

3. Critics say the move isolates the U.S. and weakens its global influence.

Source: Associated Press (AP)

Who cares about the rest of the world when you 'run' it, eh? They're all s*ithole countries, anyway. /s