U.S. President Trump Issues Executive Order To Withdraw From Key UN Organizations

President Trump signs order withdrawing US from UN bodies

President Trump signed an executive order on February 3, 2025, directing the withdrawal of United States participation and funding from several United Nations organizations, while initiating a broader review of U.S. involvement in international institutions.

The order specifically targets three UN bodies: the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The administration cited concerns about these organizations' alignment with U.S. interests and their positions regarding Israel.

Under the order's provisions, the United States will immediately cease participation in the UNHRC and eliminate the office of U.S. Representative to that body. The order also mandates a 90-day review of U.S. membership in UNESCO, focusing particularly on evaluating any potential anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.

Regarding UNRWA, the order cites allegations that the agency has been "infiltrated by members of groups long designated as foreign terrorist organizations" and claims that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. As a result, all U.S. funding to UNRWA will be terminated.

The executive order extends beyond these specific organizations, requiring the Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive 180-day review of all international organizations, conventions, and treaties to which the United States belongs. This review will assess their alignment with U.S. interests and potential need for reform.

The Secretary of State has been directed to inform the UN Secretary General that the United States will not fund UNRWA or the UNHRC, and will not pay any 2025 assessments or prior arrears to these organizations.

This action follows historical precedent, referencing the United States' 2018 withdrawal from the UNHRC. The order emphasizes that while the U.S. helped establish the UN after World War II to prevent global conflicts, the administration believes some UN agencies have "drifted from this mission."

The executive order is set to be implemented within the bounds of applicable law and available appropriations, as specified in its general provisions section.

Article Sources/References: Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations – The White House