US Presidential Memorandum on Withdrawal from International Organizations

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, as reported by the White House.

Key Directives of the Presidential Memorandum

• The memorandum instructs US agencies and departments to cease participation in and funding for: 
  • 35 non-UN organizations
  • 31 UN entities
• The decision is based on the belief that these organizations no longer serve American interests and may operate contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty.

Reasons for US Withdrawal

• The administration states that these international bodies undermine US independence and waste taxpayer dollars.
• Concerns include: 
  • Promotion of radical climate policies
  • Advancement of global governance initiatives contrary to US sovereignty
  • Failure to deliver meaningful results despite significant funding
• The goal is to save taxpayer money and refocus resources on "America First" priorities.

Recent Actions by President Trump

• Withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Notification to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development regarding the non-applicability of its global tax deal in the US.
• Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and cessation of funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East.

Specific Withdrawals from UN Bodies

• Department of Economic and Social Affairs
• UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) commissions for various regions
• International Law Commission
• International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
• International Trade Centre
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Peacebuilding Fund

Specific Withdrawals from Non-UN Organizations

• International Solar Alliance
• 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact
• Colombo Plan Council
• Commission for Environmental Cooperation
• Education Cannot Wait
• European Centre of Excellence for Countering

This decision follows a comprehensive review ordered earlier in the year, assessing the alignment of US participation in these organizations with national interests, security concerns, economic goals, and sovereignty.