The memorandum instructs all federal agencies to end U.S. participation and financial support for both United Nations-linked bodies and independent international organizations that the administration says no longer serve U.S. interests. Officials say the move is intended to protect American sovereignty, redirect taxpayer dollars, and prioritize domestic priorities over global agendas.

Scope of the Withdrawals

• The withdrawal affects organizations across multiple sectors, including:
• Climate and environmental bodies, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, previously central to global climate negotiations.
• Development and humanitarian agencies, including the UN Population Fund and other programs focusing on health, gender equality, and population issues.
• Multilateral forums on trade, labor, and human rights, many of which the administration claims have been ineffective or contrary to U.S. policies.

The memorandum applies to 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN-affiliated agencies, and orders federal departments to carry out the separation in a legally compliant and timely manner.

The White House states that many of these organizations operate contrary to U.S. national interests, pursue agendas inconsistent with American priorities, and provide limited return on U.S. taxpayer investment. Officials argue the withdrawal is intended to reassert U.S. sovereignty and focus resources on domestic programs that directly benefit Americans.

Global leaders and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the potential impact on climate action, humanitarian programs, and international collaboration, urging Washington to continue engagement on issues of shared importance.

Analysts say the decision signals a major recalibration of American foreign policy, emphasizing unilateral action and a reduced role in multilateral institutions. Observers are closely watching whether the withdrawal will strengthen domestic priorities or isolate the U.S. from critical global forums.