The United States administration, under President Donald Trump, has announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 65 other international organizations. The decision, communicated through a presidential memorandum, cites that these entities are "contrary to the interests of the United States" and no longer serve American priorities. The move affects a range of organizations, including several United Nations bodies, with the stated aim of ceasing U.S. taxpayer funding and involvement in entities deemed to advance "globalist agendas" or "radical climate policies."
Scope of Withdrawals
The memorandum identifies a total of 66 entities, comprising 35 non-United Nations (UN) and 31 UN organizations, from which the U.S. intends to withdraw.
Among the most prominent withdrawals is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This international treaty, adopted in 1992 and ratified by all countries worldwide, serves as the foundational agreement for global cooperation on climate change. The U.S. Senate ratified the UNFCCC in October 1992. Upon withdrawal, the United States would become the only nation not participating in the UNFCCC treaty.
Other specific international organizations cited for withdrawal include:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN's body for assessing climate science.
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- International Solar Alliance
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Carbon Free Energy Compact
- United Nations University
- International Cotton Advisory Committee
- International Tropical Timber Organization
- Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation
- Pan-American Institute for Geography and History
- International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies
- International Lead and Zinc Study Group
- UN Oceans
- UN Water
- UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on sexual and reproductive health.
- UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which addresses trade, investment, and development.
Additionally, the withdrawals encompass other UN organizations involved in areas such as peace and democracy initiatives, family planning, maternal and child health, and addressing sexual violence in conflict. The memo specifies that for UN entities, withdrawal entails ceasing participation or funding to the extent permitted by law.
Stated Rationale for the Decision
The White House stated that a review concluded these organizations "no longer serve American interests" and promote "ineffective or hostile agendas." The administration indicated that the withdrawals would cease American taxpayer funding and involvement in organizations it claims advance "globalist agendas over US priorities" and promote "radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs" that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that the agreements being exited were "often dominated by progressive ideology and detached from national interests." He added that many international organizations "now serve a globalist project," citing examples such as "DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] mandates," "gender equity campaigns," and "climate orthodoxy."
Context and Previous Actions
This announcement follows a series of actions by the Trump administration related to international agreements and climate policy. President Trump previously declared the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, which outlines global goals for limiting warming. While former Democratic President Joe Biden had reversed this move, the current administration had stated its rejection of the scientific consensus on man-made climate change. President Trump has publicly described climate science using terms such as "scam" and "hoax."
The administration has also implemented policies affecting clean energy initiatives. In the past year, the U.S. opted not to send a delegation to UN climate talks held in Brazil and did not attend the annual UN international climate summit, marking the first time in three decades. President Trump also questioned the purpose of the United Nations during an address to the General Assembly in September.
Previous withdrawals by the Trump administration include the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which the U.S. had rejoined under the Biden administration, and the World Health Organization. Funding for various UN agencies, including the High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme, has also been reduced.
Legal and International Reactions
The U.S. Constitution permits presidents to join treaties with the concurrence of two-thirds of Senators present; however, it does not explicitly detail the procedure for withdrawal from such agreements. This aspect has prompted concerns regarding the legal process for withdrawing from a Senate-ratified treaty and could potentially lead to legal challenges. Jean Su, a senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, stated that her organization contends it is illegal for the President to unilaterally withdraw from a treaty that required a two-thirds Senate vote and is exploring legal options.
Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, highlighted that the United States would be the first country to withdraw from the UNFCCC. He noted that other nations remain members due to both the perceived moral imperative of addressing climate change and the ability to shape economic policy and opportunity through participation. Rachel Cleetus, a senior policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, characterized the action as signifying the administration's stance and impacting global cooperation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom commented that the decision affects America's leadership and competitive ability globally, suggesting it creates a vacuum that other nations might utilize. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential effects on U.S. international standing and economic competitiveness in clean energy sectors. The State Department has confirmed that further reviews regarding these actions are ongoing.