President Donald Trump has taken another decisive step to protect American taxpayers by ordering the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations his administration says no longer serve U.S. interests.
According to the White House, the move is designed to cut wasteful spending, reassert American sovereignty, and end decades of unchecked funding for global institutions that critics say operate with little transparency or accountability.
Administration officials argue that many of these organizations promote political agendas overseas while relying heavily on U.S. taxpayer dollars—often with minimal benefit to the American people.
Why the Trump Administration Took Action
On Wednesday, President Trump signed a memorandum directing all federal agencies to immediately begin the withdrawal process from dozens of international bodies deemed “contrary to the interests of the United States.”
The decision follows a comprehensive review required under Executive Order 14199, which instructed the State Department to evaluate all U.S. memberships, treaties, and financial commitments tied to international organizations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the findings revealed a troubling pattern of waste and mismanagement.
“These organizations were often redundant, poorly run, or captured by ideological interests that conflict with American values,” Rubio said. “President Trump is ending the practice of sending billions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer money overseas with little to show for it.”
Billions in Potential Savings for Taxpayers
The list of organizations spans both non-U.N. groups and more than 30 entities connected to the United Nations, including agencies focused on climate policy, population programs, gender initiatives, and global economic development.
White House officials say many of these groups have expanded far beyond their original missions while repeatedly demanding increased financial support from the United States.
By withdrawing funding and participation, the administration expects to save American taxpayers billions over time, while reducing U.S. exposure to international programs viewed as ineffective or politically driven.
Critics React, Administration Stands Firm
As expected, the move drew criticism from former Obama-era officials and international policy advocates.
Former White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy criticized the decision during an interview with PBS, arguing it weakens U.S. influence abroad.
Other foreign policy analysts accused the administration of taking a tougher stance on global cooperation. The White House dismissed those criticisms, saying voters have repeatedly supported an America First approach that prioritizes domestic needs over international bureaucracy.
More Reviews May Be Coming
Federal agencies have been instructed to end funding, staffing, and formal participation with the affected organizations to the maximum extent allowed by law.
Officials also confirmed that additional reviews of international memberships are ongoing, raising the possibility of further withdrawals or funding reductions in the future.
For President Trump and his supporters, the message is clear: American tax dollars should benefit American citizens—not international institutions with little oversight and questionable results.