On January 7, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation initiating the withdrawal of the United States from 35 organizations not affiliated with the United Nations, as well as 31 UN entities. The White House stated that these organizations operate in ways contrary to U.S. national interests, although the specific organizations involved were not disclosed in the announcement.

This action follows Executive Order 14199, issued on February 4, 2025, which mandated a review of U.S. participation in international intergovernmental organizations and treaties. The Secretary of State conducted this review and reported findings that led to the decision to withdraw from certain entities. Among the notable non-UN organizations listed for withdrawal are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Renewable Energy Agency. The UN organizations targeted for withdrawal include the UN Economic and Social Council and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

The memorandum emphasizes that the withdrawal process should be executed as soon as legally permissible, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. engagement with international cooperative efforts. The Secretary of State is tasked with providing further guidance for the implementation of this directive. This move raises questions about the implications for global cooperation on issues such as climate change, human rights, and international security, particularly in light of the humanitarian and social equity challenges these organizations address.