U.S. Government Withdraws From Dozens of International Organizations Following Policy Review

A January 7, 2026 presidential memorandum directs U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed inconsistent with national interests.

By: Haitian prime news |January 8, 2026|Washington, D.C.

On January 7, 2026, the United States government formally announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties following the signing of a presidential memorandum titled Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States.

The directive follows a comprehensive review of U.S. participation in international bodies conducted under Executive Order 14199. According to the memorandum, the review assessed whether continued involvement in multilateral organizations aligned with U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and strategic priorities.

As a result of the review, the administration determined that participation in certain organizations no longer served the objectives of the United States. The memorandum instructs executive departments and agencies to take steps to withdraw from or cease participation in the listed entities, to the extent permitted by U.S. law.

The withdrawals include a total of 66 entities, consisting of:

31 United Nations–affiliated organizations and programs 35 non-United Nations international organizations

The affected bodies span a wide range of policy areas, including climate and environmental cooperation, human rights, development, migration, gender policy, scientific research, security coordination, and global governance.

Notable organizations listed in the memorandum include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to the memorandum and accompanying fact sheets, the administration cited several reasons for the withdrawals. These include concerns that some organizations exert influence over domestic policymaking, impose financial costs disproportionate to perceived benefits, or promote policy frameworks that conflict with U.S. priorities.

The administration stated that U.S. participation in international bodies should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and remain consistent with national sovereignty and strategic interests. Officials emphasized that withdrawal from certain organizations does not signal an end to U.S. diplomacy or international engagement but rather a recalibration of how the United States participates globally.

The memorandum directs the Secretary of State and relevant agency heads to implement the withdrawals in accordance with U.S. law and applicable treaty provisions. In some cases, withdrawal may require notice periods or congressional consultation, depending on the legal framework governing each organization or agreement.

The document also leaves open the possibility of future reviews, indicating that U.S. participation in international organizations will continue to be reassessed over time.

The decision represents one of the largest single withdrawals from international organizations by the United States in modern history. It reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward prioritizing bilateral engagement and reassessing long-standing multilateral commitments.

Reactions from international partners, advocacy groups, and policy analysts continue to develop as agencies begin implementing the directive.

SOURCES:

White House, Presidential Memorandum: Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States, January 7, 2026

White House Fact Sheet, January 7, 2026

Official U.S. Government Statements and Agency Briefings