Prime Business Africa
Trump Unplugs: US Exits 66 Global Pacts, Citing ‘America First’ Shift
President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Wednesday January 7, 2026, ordering the US to withdraw from 66 international organizations and agreements, deeming them “contrary to US interests”. The move, effective immediately, follows a year-long review mandated by Executive Order 14199.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe decision targets both UN and non-UN entities, including climate, trade, and cultural bodies. “We’re putting America first by cutting ties with globalist groups that undermine our sovereignty,” Trump stated. Cabinet members backed the move, citing savings and refocused priorities.
However, critics slam the retreat as isolationist. “This erodes decades of global cooperation on climate, health, and human rights,” said Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Adviser. International allies express concern; UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called it “a blow to multilateralism”.
The withdrawal process involves ceasing participation and funding, subject to legal constraints. The State Department will issue implementation guidelines. Experts warn of long-term costs: diminished US influence, empowered rivals like China, and fractured global alliances.
READ ALSO: US–Venezuela Showdown: Power, Oil, and the Limits of Force
The move sparks debate on balancing national interests with global responsibilities. “America can’t solve world problems by abandoning them,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE).
Here’s the full list of 66 international organizations the US is withdrawing from, as announced by President Donald Trump:
Non-UN Organizations (35)
Carbon-Free Energy Compact
Colombo Plan Council
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Education Cannot Wait
European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats
Freedom Online Coalition
Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund
Global Counterterrorism Forum
Global Forum on Cyber Expertise
Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
International Cotton Advisory Committee
International Development Law Organization
International Energy Forum
International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law
International Lead and Zinc Study Group
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
International Solar Alliance
International Tropical Timber Organization
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Pan American Institute of Geography and History
Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia
Regional Cooperation Council
Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century
Science and Technology Center in Ukraine
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
Venice Commission of the Council of Europe
UN Organizations (31)
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
UN Economic and Social Council Economic Commission for Africa
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
COSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ECOSOC — Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
International Law Commission
International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
International Trade Centre
Office of the Special Adviser on Africa
Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict
Peacebuilding Commission
Peacebuilding Fund
Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
UN Alliance of Civilizations
UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries
UN Conference on Trade and Development
UN Democracy Fund
UN Energy
UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UN Human Settlements Programme
UN Institute for Training and Research
UN Oceans
UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
UN Register of Conventional Arms
UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination
UN System Staff College
UN University
UN Water
- Editor
- Editor
- Editor
- Editor
- Editor
