On January 7, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order directing the United States to withdraw from 31 United Nations agencies, entities and agreements.
The Better World Campaign is deeply concerned about these withdrawals, which mark a significant shift in how the U.S. engages with multilateral institutions. Responding to the action, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “Assessed contributions to United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States.”
The retreat from these UN bodies comes just days after the Trump Administration underscored the importance of the UN’s lifesaving work through a $2 billion initial investment in global humanitarian assistance facilitated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). That funding reflects a recognition that UN-led systems remain central to addressing crises that directly affect U.S. security, stability and global leadership.
Call for Continued U.S. Support
“Now that the Trump Administration has completed its 180-day review of U.S. participation in the UN and made tough choices, we urge President Trump to work with Congress to re-start the flow of U.S. funding to UN programs which have retained U.S. support, including those funded through the UN Regular and Peacekeeping Budget,” said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign.
The announcement also comes as the Administration looks to the UN Security Council as a key partner in advancing U.S. priorities, including complex security, stabilization and humanitarian efforts in places such as Haiti, Gaza and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – environments where UN agencies are essential to implementing Security Council decisions and delivering results on the ground.
“President Trump and Ambassador Mike Waltz are right to insist on reform and accountability,” said Yeo. “The most effective way to achieve those goals is through active U.S. engagement in the United Nations – maintaining a seat at the table in the institutions that help carry out Security Council mandates and advance U.S. interests.”
“The United Nations will continue its work whether the U.S. is there or not,” said Yeo. “The real question is who fills the vacuum. Too often, it’s countries that do not share American priorities or values.”
“The United Nations will continue its work whether the U.S. is there or not. The real question is who fills the vacuum. Too often, it’s countries that do not share American priorities or values.”
Peter Yeo
President, Better World Campaign
