Trump Moves To Pull US Out Of 66 UN And Global Bodies

United States President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to withdraw the country from 66 United Nations and international organisations, a decision that would significantly scale back US involvement in global efforts on climate change, democracy, and peacebuilding.

The move was announced in a presidential memorandum released by the White House on Wednesday night. Trump said the decision followed a review of international bodies, conventions, and treaties considered to be at odds with US national interests. He added that Washington would end its participation in the affected organisations and halt all financial contributions to them.

The list issued by the White House shows that 35 of the organisations are outside the UN system, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. While classified as a non-UN body in the document, the IPCC is a UN-backed organisation that brings together leading scientists to evaluate climate data and provide assessments used by governments worldwide.

The withdrawal plan also covers 31 UN bodies, among them the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Democracy Fund, and the UN Population Fund, which focuses on maternal and child health. Several of the targeted agencies are involved in protecting vulnerable populations during armed conflicts, including the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict.

Responding to the announcement, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organisation was expected to issue an official response by Thursday morning.

Although Trump has consistently argued for reduced US participation in UN forums, he has continued to play an active role in shaping decisions on the international stage.