Presidential Memorandum January 07, 2026

Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States

Foreign Policy Trade Environment Defense

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In Simple Terms

The President has decided to pull the U.S. out of certain global groups and deals. These are seen as not in the U.S.'s best interest.

Summary

President Donald Trump has issued a memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from various international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed contrary to U.S. interests. This action follows Executive Order 14199, which initiated a review of U.S. involvement in international intergovernmental organizations and treaties. Based on the findings from the Secretary of State, the memorandum lists specific organizations, including both non-United Nations and United Nations entities, from which the U.S. will withdraw. The directive mandates all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps to cease participation or funding, as legally permissible. The Secretary of State is tasked with providing further guidance on implementing these withdrawals.

Official Record

Awaiting Federal Register

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

January 07, 2026

Pending Federal Register publication

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families and individuals: Loss of international cooperation may reduce job opportunities in global industries.
Small business owners: Reduced access to international markets and partnerships could limit growth opportunities.
Students and recent graduates: Fewer international study and exchange programs could limit global learning experiences.
Retirees and seniors: Potentially higher costs for international travel and healthcare due to decreased global cooperation.
Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Urban areas might feel economic impacts more due to reliance on international business.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

U.S. Federal Agencies: Tasked with executing withdrawal directives and reallocating resources.
Environmental NGOs: Face challenges as U.S. exits climate and conservation treaties.
International Development Sector: Loses U.S. support, affecting global aid projects and partnerships.
United Nations Entities: Experience funding reductions impacting operational capacity and initiatives.
U.S. Diplomats: Must navigate strained international relations and diminished multilateral influence.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

Diplomatic tensions rise with affected international partners.
Immediate budget reallocations for withdrawn organizations.
Domestic debate intensifies over global engagement strategy.

Long-term (1–4 years):

Reduced influence in international policy-making forums.
Potential economic impacts from altered trade relationships.
Increased focus on bilateral agreements to fill cooperation gaps.

📚 Historical Context

Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, citing U.S. interests.
Similar to Reagan's 1985 withdrawal from UNESCO over perceived anti-U.S. bias.
Builds on Trump's 2017 approach to international agreements, emphasizing national over global interests.
Notable for its scale, targeting numerous UN and non-UN organizations.
Contrasts with Biden's re-engagement with international bodies post-2021.