Trump signs order withdrawing US from 66 international organisations

US President Donald Trump has signed a declaration to withdraw the United States from 35 non-UN organisations and 31 UN-affiliated bodies, saying they act “contrary to the interests of the United States.”

The White House statement did not name the organisations but said they promote “radical climate policies, global governance and ideological programs that conflict with US sovereignty and economic strength.”

It added that the decision followed a full review of all international government organisations, agreements and treaties in which the US is a member or participant.

The statement said: “These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities,” and added that some organisations handle important issues with low efficiency or effectiveness, making it better to use taxpayer money in other ways to support relevant missions.

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Since the start of his second term a year ago, Trump has cut US funding to the United Nations, ended US participation in the UN Human Rights Council, and extended the suspension of funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The US has also left the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and President Trump has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Earlier last year, Trump announced the US would leave the Paris Climate Agreement, following his second inauguration within a decade.

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