> At a Glance
> – President Donald Trump signed an order halting U.S. support for 66 international bodies, including the U.N. climate treaty and population fund.
> – Targets span climate, labor, migration panels and non-U.N. groups like the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
> – Why it matters: The move curtails American sway over trillions in climate investments and global health programs while encouraging other nations to stall emissions cuts.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday yanked U.S. backing from 66 international organizations, cementing a go-it-alone stance that scraps the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the U.N. Population Fund.
The Sweeping Exit
The White House released the order after a department-by-department audit that branded the bodies redundant, wasteful, or threats to sovereignty. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the groups were “captured by actors advancing agendas contrary to our own.”
Agencies losing support:
- U.N. climate negotiation framework-the 1992 treaty underpinning the Paris Agreement
- U.N. Population Fund-provides sexual-health services worldwide
- World Health Organization, UNRWA, Human Rights Council, UNESCO-already defunded earlier
- Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, International Institute for Democracy, Global Counterterrorism Forum
Climate Repercussions
By quitting the UNFCCC, the largest historic emitter surrenders its seat at talks that steer trillions in green investment, former White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy said.
> Gina McCarthy warned:
> “This is shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish-we’re forfeiting influence over policies that protect our economy from costly disasters.”
Stanford scientist Rob Jackson added the exit “gives other nations an excuse to delay” carbon cuts, making global progress far harder.
Where Money Will Go
Officials say saved funds will be re-targeted to U.N. arenas where the U.S. competes with China, such as:
- International Telecommunications Union
- International Maritime Organization
- International Labor Organization
Key Takeaways
- 66 bodies lose U.S. cash instantly; many face project shutdowns.
- Climate fight loses a key player–American absence may slow worldwide emissions cuts.
- Population-health programs-already defunded once by Trump-again lose American support, risking clinic closures in developing nations.
The order deepens America’s multilateral retreat and shifts resources toward bodies judged to advance Trump’s “America First” agenda.
