Legal Literacy — Entering early 2026, the United States (US) government announced its withdrawal from 66 international entities—consisting of 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities—with the consequence of ceasing participation and funding support. This policy is outlined in the Presidential Memorandum dated January 7, 2026, which is stated as a follow-up to a thorough review of US involvement in international organizations, conventions, and agreements.

In the memorandum, US President Donald J. Trump referred to Executive Order 14199 (issued February 4, 2025) which previously ordered the Secretary of State, in coordination with the US Representative to the UN, to assess which international organizations and international instruments were deemed inconsistent with US interests. After the review report was submitted and discussed with the cabinet, the President instructed executive ministries/agencies to “immediately” take steps to withdraw from the list of entities mentioned.

Mechanism: “Stop Participating and/or Funding”

The White House document distinguishes the implementation for UN entities: withdrawal is defined as ceasing participation or funding “to the extent permitted by law”. The US government also stated that further reviews may still be carried out and the Secretary of State may provide additional guidance in its implementation.

In its official fact sheet, the White House stated that this step is aimed at stopping support for entities that are seen as contrary to national interests, security, economic prosperity, or US sovereignty—and are considered ineffective/inefficient.