The US has withdrawn from 66 international organisations. The exit includes 35 non-UN bodies and 31 UN system entities
The United States has officially withdrawn from 66 international organisations, a move that signals one of the biggest retreats from global cooperation in recent American history. The decision affects 35 non-UN bodies and 31 organisations within the United Nations system.
The withdrawal was announced through an executive directive and reflects a clear change in US foreign policy, with a stronger focus on national sovereignty, lower spending on international institutions, and reassessing bodies viewed as not serving American strategic or economic interests.
Following the directive, all US federal agencies have been instructed to stop participation, funding, and cooperation with the affected organisations.
Officials say the move is aimed at cutting costs, reducing duplication of roles, and ending engagement with institutions the government believes have become inefficient or politicised.
The United States has pulled out of 35 non-United Nations international bodies, cutting ties with groups involved in areas such as climate policy, energy, democracy support, culture, security, and research.
Among the organisations affected are climate and energy initiatives, counterterrorism forums, democracy and election support bodies, cultural preservation agencies, and regional cooperation platforms. Some organisations appeared more than once in official records, which the administration cited as evidence of duplication and poor coordination.
In addition, the US has exited 31 entities linked to the United Nations system. These include departments and programmes focused on trade, climate change, population issues, urban development, education, water resources, and regional economic cooperation.
The decision also affects several UN advisory offices and coordination bodies dealing with social policy, conflict-related issues, and development planning.
Supporters of the withdrawal argue that it will reduce America’s financial burden and allow Washington to choose partnerships more selectively through bilateral or regional agreements.
Government officials have described the step as a reset, saying the US should not continue funding institutions that no longer align with its priorities or deliver clear value.
Critics warn that pulling out of so many organisations could weaken global cooperation, especially on climate change, humanitarian aid, trade coordination, and conflict prevention.
Some diplomats and analysts also fear that reduced US involvement could leave space for rival powers to gain more influence within international institutions.
