Overview
- An official memorandum signed Jan. 7 directs withdrawal from 35 non‑U.N. organizations and 31 U.N. entities following a review of U.S. memberships and support.
- The list includes the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, making the U.S. the first nation to leave the climate treaty if the move takes effect.
- The White House and State Department said targeted institutions are redundant, mismanaged, or contrary to U.S. interests, and instructed departments to stop participation and funding as withdrawals proceed.
- Legal experts note uncertainty over a president’s authority to exit a Senate‑ratified treaty like the UNFCCC, with timelines dependent on notice periods and other statutory requirements.
- Other named bodies include the U.N. Population Fund, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the 24/7 Carbon‑Free Energy Compact, as analysts warn of reduced U.S. influence and funding for global climate, development and humanitarian programs; additional reviews remain underway.