US President Donald Trump has launched a new initiative that redraws the United States’ relationship with international organizations, after signing an executive order directing the country’s withdrawal from sixty-six international organizations, on the basis that they no longer serve American interests.
The White House clarified that the decision includes multiple international organizations, among them thirty-one entities directly linked to the United Nations system, in a move that reflects a more inward-looking American focus on national interests.
The White House, in a statement published on the X platform, indicated that this step comes as part of a comprehensive review of the United States’ international commitments, ensuring that American resources are directed towards serving its political and economic priorities.
This decision is a direct extension of US President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach, which he has worked to implement since his return to the White House roughly a year ago, by reassessing the country’s role in multilateral agreements and institutions.
In the same context, the US administration reaffirmed the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, alongside its withdrawal from UNESCO, after Washington had rejoined it during the administration of US President Joe Biden.
Furthermore, the US administration, early in Trump’s term, initiated procedures to leave the World Health Organization, as part of a broader policy to reshape the relationship with international institutions.
These moves coincided with a sharp reduction in US foreign aid and cuts to the budgets of a number of United Nations programs and organizations, within a framework aimed at reducing external financial commitments and boosting domestic spending.
Observers believe these decisions will spark widespread debate within international diplomatic circles, due to their implications for the United States’ role in the international system and for the future of multilateral cooperation on sensitive issues such as health, climate, and development.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the subsequent adoption of its Constitution in 1789. It grew from thirteen original colonies to span the North American continent, becoming a global economic and military power in the 20th century. Its diverse culture is shaped by a history of immigration, democratic ideals, and significant internal conflicts, including the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban and its construction was completed in 1800, with President John Adams being the first to occupy it. The building has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, including after being burned by British forces in 1814.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It replaced the ineffective League of Nations and is headquartered in New York City, with its charter signed by 51 original member countries.
Paris Climate Agreement
The Paris Climate Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, by coordinating nationally determined contributions from nearly every country.
UNESCO
UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the UN founded in 1945 to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, and communication. It is best known for its World Heritage program, which identifies, protects, and preserves cultural and natural heritage sites around the globe considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948, with a mandate to promote global public health. It is responsible for directing international health efforts, setting norms and standards, and providing technical support to countries worldwide.
X platform
X platform is a social media service founded in 2006, originally gaining popularity for its microblogging format that limited posts to 140 characters. It has played a significant role in global communication, news dissemination, and public discourse, though its ownership and policies have evolved significantly following its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022.
