According to a White House statement released on the day of the signing, the withdrawals include 35 non–United Nations organizations and 31 entities affiliated with the United Nations system.
The Trump administration said the organizations targeted “no longer serve American interests,” arguing that continued participation imposes financial, diplomatic, or policy constraints that outweigh their benefits to the United States.
The White House characterized the move as part of a broader effort to reduce U.S. involvement in multilateral institutions it views as ineffective, overly bureaucratic, or misaligned with U.S. sovereignty and national priorities.
U.S Administration officials said the memorandum instructs relevant federal agencies to begin the formal withdrawal process and to reassess U.S. engagement in remaining international bodies.
Supporters of the decision argue that it will reduce U.S. spending abroad and give Washington greater freedom to pursue bilateral agreements. Critics, however, warn that withdrawing from international organizations could diminish U.S. influence on global issues, including security, public health, humanitarian aid, and economic cooperation.
The memorandum marks one of the most sweeping pullbacks from international institutions by the United States in recent history and signals a continued shift away from multilateral engagement under President Trump’s leadership.
