On Jan. 7, the White House issued a statement saying that U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum that day instructing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations and institutions deemed no longer in the national interest of the United States.
According to information released by the White House, these 66 organizations include 35 non-UN organizations and 31 bodies within the United Nations system. The presidential memorandum requires all U.S. federal executive departments and agencies to immediately take steps to cease participation in, and terminate funding and support for, the aforementioned organizations.
The White House stated that before making this decision, the U.S. government conducted a comprehensive review of all intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties in which the United States is a member, contracting party, or has provided funding or other support.
The review was led by the State Department in consultation with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. The Secretary of State submitted an investigative report in accordance with a prior executive order, and after reviewing the report and consulting with Cabinet members, Trump made the relevant decision.
The presidential memorandum notes that continuing to be a member of, participate in the activities of, or provide support to the organizations listed in the memorandum has been determined not to be in the national interest of the United States.
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According to the White House, the way these organizations operate touches on issues of U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty.
Saving taxpayer money
The White House fact sheet stated that this withdrawal action will end the investment of U.S. taxpayers’ money and participation in the relevant organizations. The White House said the United States has previously invested substantial funds in these international organizations, and related resources will be reallocated to other government tasks.
According to part of the list released by the White House, the non-UN organizations involved in the withdrawal include the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Education Cannot Wait, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The UN-system entities involved include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Law Commission, and the International Trade Centre.
The White House stated that some of the policies and programs promoted by the above organizations relate to climate, global governance, and related issues. The presidential memorandum noted that these agendas are considered inconsistent with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength.
The statement also recalled that Trump had previously taken multiple actions related to international organizations, including initiating procedures for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.
On his first day in office, Trump signed a presidential memorandum notifying the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that its global tax agreement does not have effect in the United States and instructed an investigation into whether foreign tax rules unfairly impact U.S. companies.
Subsequently, the United States announced its withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and terminated funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The White House said that the presidential memorandum signed this time is part of an adjustment to the way the United States participates in international organizations. According to the directive, relevant U.S. federal departments will complete the withdrawal procedures as soon as possible.
