United States Withdraws from 66 International Organizations Under Executive Order 14199

On January 11, 2026, the United States announced its decision to withdraw from 66 international organizations that have been classified as wasteful, ineffective, or harmful. This move is executed under Executive Order 14199, which reflects a broader strategy by the Trump Administration to reshape U.S. engagement with global institutions.

Key Details

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is a prominent figure in the Trump Administration, articulated the rationale behind this withdrawal. He stated that many of these organizations are mismanaged, redundant, or pose a threat to U.S. sovereignty and national interests. The decision is part of a larger critique of what the administration describes as a "globalist agenda" prevalent in many international institutions.

Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will no longer fund organizations that do not align with American priorities. This includes a range of international bodies that have been criticized for promoting initiatives such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates, gender equity campaigns, and climate change policies that the administration views as constraining American sovereignty.

The withdrawal is framed as a response to what the administration calls the "End of History" narrative, a term that refers to the belief that liberal democracy is the final form of human government. The Trump Administration argues that this perspective is discredited and that many international organizations are advancing a globalist project that undermines U.S. interests.

Additionally, the administration has been dismantling what it refers to as the "NGO-plex," a network of non-governmental organizations that it believes perpetuates these globalist ideals. This includes the recent closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been a significant player in international aid and development.

Background

The decision to withdraw from these organizations aligns with a broader trend observed during the Trump Administration, which has consistently challenged multilateralism and international cooperation in favor of a more unilateral approach to foreign policy. This strategy has included previous withdrawals from various international agreements and organizations, which the administration claims do not serve U.S. interests.

The implications of this withdrawal are significant, as it may lead to reduced U.S. influence in global affairs and could impact international cooperation on critical issues such as climate change, human rights, and global health. Critics argue that such a move could isolate the U.S. on the world stage and undermine long-standing alliances.

Image for United States withdraws from 66 international organizations under Executive Order 14199

What"s Next

The future of U.S. participation in international organizations remains uncertain as the Trump Administration continues to prioritize national sovereignty over multilateral commitments. The withdrawal from these 66 organizations is likely to prompt discussions about the role of the U.S. in global governance and could lead to further changes in how the country engages with international bodies.

For more insights into the implications of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump Administration, see our related coverage on the potential risks of returning to an era of unilateralism.