US quits dozens of international bodies

The US has announced it is withdrawing from dozens of international bodies that no longer serve American interests, including major UN and non-UN forums focused on climate, migration, social policy, peace, and democracy.

President Donald Trump had signed a memorandum suspending support for a total of 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions “that operate contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty,” the White House said on Thursday.

“These withdrawals end taxpayer support for entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities or address key issues inefficiently,” the statement read, adding that many of them targeted “radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs conflicting with US sovereignty and economic strength.”

The affected organizations include the UNFCCC, the UN’s main body for climate negotiations; UN Women, the body dealing with gender equality; and UNFPA, a major agency on population and demographics.

The non-UN bodies include the IPCC, a major authority on climate science which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007; the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed Trump’s move, accusing the targeted bodies of “actively seeking to constrain American sovereignty.”

“Trump is clear: no more sending American taxpayers’ money abroad with little to show for it,” Rubio said in a statement released by the US State Department, noting that Washington will continue reviewing its commitments to other international forums.

Critics called the move a “new low.” Rachel Cleetus, senior policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said it was another sign that Trump’s “authoritarian” and “anti-science” administration was determined to destabilize global cooperation. Gina McCarthy, former White House climate adviser, said it is “shortsighted, embarrassing, and foolish” to leave UN climate processes specifically.

The withdrawals follow Trump’s earlier exits from the Paris climate accord, WHO, UNESCO, and funding cuts to UN agencies including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

A group of Republican lawmakers last year proposed that the US withdraw from the UN altogether, claiming that the organization betrays American interests. While Trump has repeatedly criticized it, he has not formally announced plans for a full withdrawal.