WASHINGTON — On January 7, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an order to remove the United States from 66 international organizations. The administration stated that these groups no longer serve American interests or security and may interfere with the nation’s right to govern itself.
This total includes 31 groups within the United Nations and 35 other global organizations. According to a White House press release, the administration reviewed each group to determine if it still benefits the country. The order tells federal agencies to stop funding and participating in these specific groups.
The White House plans to redirect those taxpayer funds to projects at home, such as fixing roads and bridges, improving military equipment, and strengthening border security.
President Trump also began the process of leaving the Paris Climate Agreement—an international plan to fight climate change—and the World Health Organization (WHO). White House officials said these moves allow the government to focus its time and money on needs at home.
These actions follow other changes made at the start of the president’s term. On his first day in office, the president signed an order saying the Global Tax Deal—an international agreement on how to tax large corporations—no longer applies to the United States. He also ordered an investigation into whether other countries are unfairly taxing American businesses.
Within the first few weeks of January 2026, the United States withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council. At the same time, the president banned all future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees.
The White House described these changes as a major shift in how the United States will handle its future international relationships.
