President Donald Trump has formally initiated the withdrawal of the United States from 66 major international organizations, marking a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy.
The White House confirmed the move on Monday, listing prominent bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and several regional trade and security alliances among those targeted.
In an Oval Office memorandum, Trump criticized these institutions as “burdensome, ineffective, and contrary to the interests of the American taxpayer.”
He argued that billions spent annually on dues and contributions would be better invested in domestic infrastructure and border security.
“For decades, the American people have subsidized global bureaucracies that often work against our own values and economic strength,” Trump said in the statement.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community.
Legal experts warn that while the president can withdraw from many executive agreements, departures from treaty-based organizations may face Senate approval or court challenges.
European Union and United Nations officials expressed concern, warning the mass U.S. exit could undermine global efforts in pandemic preparedness, climate monitoring, and development.
“The United States has been a pillar of the international rules-based order for nearly a century,” said a senior U.N. official.
The White House responded that the U.S. will instead prioritize “strategic bilateral partnerships” over “faceless multilateralism.”
The move is expected to spark intense debate in Congress, with some Republicans supporting the cost-cutting measure, while Democrats warn it represents a “dangerous isolationist shift” that could weaken U.S. influence globally.
