Trump Orders U.S. Withdrawal from 66 International Bodies in Major ‘America First’ Shift

President Donald J. Trump has issued a Presidential Memorandum ordering the United States to disengage from 66 international organizations that officials say no longer advance U.S. national interests.

The step, presented as a major assertion of the America First doctrine, targets a mix of United Nations institutions and other multilateral bodies viewed by the administration as ineffective, overly political, or biased against the U.S.

According to the memorandum, Washington will begin formal processes to exit 35 non‑UN organizations along with 31 UN-related entities, instructing federal departments to phase out participation and, where legally possible, cut off funding.

Senior officials say the decision follows a broad audit of international engagements, aiming to end support for institutions they argue dilute U.S. sovereignty or impose obligations without clear benefits to American taxpayers.

The shake-up is set to touch areas such as climate cooperation, development financing, and scientific coordination, raising concerns among allies that depend on U.S. leadership in global forums.

Backers of the move claim it will sharpen U.S. influence by focusing on selective partnerships and domestic priorities, while critics warn it risks isolating Washington and ceding diplomatic ground to rival powers.