In a significant move reflecting the current administration's foreign policy stance, a presidential memorandum has been issued directing the immediate withdrawal of the United States from numerous international organizations. This decision is grounded in the Executive Order 14199, which was enacted on February 4, 2025. The primary objective of this order is to reassess the United States' involvement with various intergovernmental organizations and determine which affiliations are detrimental to national interests.
The memorandum outlines the directive issued by the President, who has exercised his constitutional authority to initiate this withdrawal. The Secretary of State, in collaboration with the United States Representative to the United Nations, has conducted a thorough review of all international organizations that receive U.S. funding or support. This review aimed to identify organizations, treaties, and conventions that do not align with the strategic interests of the United States.
Upon reviewing the Secretary of State's findings and after extensive discussions with Cabinet members, the President concluded that participating in the organizations listed in the memorandum would be counterproductive to U.S. interests. Consequently, the directive mandates all executive departments and agencies to take immediate action to withdraw from these organizations as swiftly as legally permissible.
The memorandum specifies a comprehensive list of organizations from which the United States will withdraw. These include both non-United Nations organizations and various United Nations entities.
Non-United Nations OrganizationsThe following is a selection of organizations from which the U.S. will withdraw:
24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact Commission for Environmental Cooperation Global Counterterrorism Forum Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change International Renewable Energy Agency Venice Commission of the Council of EuropeUnited Nations OrganizationsThe memorandum also lists several United Nations organizations for withdrawal, including:
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) International Law Commission UN Framework Convention on Climate Change UN Population Fund UN Human Settlements ProgrammeThe Secretary of State is tasked with providing further guidance to agencies for the implementation of this memorandum. This includes clarifying the processes and steps necessary to effectively execute the withdrawal from the listed organizations.
This memorandum includes several general provisions to ensure its proper execution. It clarifies that:
The memorandum does not alter any existing legal authorities granted to executive departments or agencies. Implementation must comply with applicable laws and budgetary limitations. It does not create enforceable rights or benefits for any parties against the United States.Lastly, the Secretary of State is directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register, ensuring transparency and public awareness of this significant policy shift.
This withdrawal from international organizations marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign relations, reflecting a broader strategy that prioritizes national interests and re-evaluates commitments to global partnerships.