US Set to Withdraw from Dozens of International Organizations in Push for 'America First' Approach
The Trump administration has signed an executive order suspending US support for 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions, marking a significant escalation of its "America First" approach to global cooperation. The move is aimed at distancing the US from UN-related institutions that focus on climate change, labor rights, and other issues deemed by the administration as catering to diversity and "woke" initiatives.
The withdrawal affects a range of organizations, including the UN's population agency, which provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide, as well as several specialized agencies focused on climate, labor, and international cooperation. The decision is seen as part of a broader effort to reduce US engagement with the UN and focus taxpayer money on expanding American influence in key global initiatives.
Critics argue that the move will hinder global efforts to address pressing challenges such as climate change, which has been downplayed by Trump himself. "It's a very clear vision of wanting international cooperation on Washington's own terms," said Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group. The US withdrawal is also likely to lead to staffing and program cuts within the UN.
The move is part of a shift in the US approach to multilateralism, which has been marked by increased nationalism and isolationism under the Trump administration. As the world grapples with rising tensions between major powers, the decision raises questions about the future of global cooperation and the ability of international organizations to address pressing challenges.
The list of organizations affected includes several specialized agencies focused on climate change, labor rights, and international cooperation, such as the International Telecommunications Union, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Labor Organization. The US withdrawal also follows a previous decision by the administration to slash foreign assistance through USAID, leading to the closure of many projects.
The move has been met with criticism from mainstream scientists, who say that climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires cooperation from all countries. "It gives other nations the excuse to delay their own actions and commitments," said Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson, chair of the Global Carbon Project.
The Trump administration has signed an executive order suspending US support for 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions, marking a significant escalation of its "America First" approach to global cooperation. The move is aimed at distancing the US from UN-related institutions that focus on climate change, labor rights, and other issues deemed by the administration as catering to diversity and "woke" initiatives.
The withdrawal affects a range of organizations, including the UN's population agency, which provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide, as well as several specialized agencies focused on climate, labor, and international cooperation. The decision is seen as part of a broader effort to reduce US engagement with the UN and focus taxpayer money on expanding American influence in key global initiatives.
Critics argue that the move will hinder global efforts to address pressing challenges such as climate change, which has been downplayed by Trump himself. "It's a very clear vision of wanting international cooperation on Washington's own terms," said Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group. The US withdrawal is also likely to lead to staffing and program cuts within the UN.
The move is part of a shift in the US approach to multilateralism, which has been marked by increased nationalism and isolationism under the Trump administration. As the world grapples with rising tensions between major powers, the decision raises questions about the future of global cooperation and the ability of international organizations to address pressing challenges.
The list of organizations affected includes several specialized agencies focused on climate change, labor rights, and international cooperation, such as the International Telecommunications Union, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Labor Organization. The US withdrawal also follows a previous decision by the administration to slash foreign assistance through USAID, leading to the closure of many projects.
The move has been met with criticism from mainstream scientists, who say that climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires cooperation from all countries. "It gives other nations the excuse to delay their own actions and commitments," said Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson, chair of the Global Carbon Project.