In a sweeping overhaul of America’s global footprint, President Donald Trump has authorised the withdrawal of US from 66 international organisations, marking one of the most significant retreats from multilateralism in modern history. The pullout is from all major climate-linked global bodies, including India-headquartered International Solar Alliance and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Though the withdrawal from ISA, a collaborative initiative of India and France to increase solar footprints globally, will not affect the alliance’s key goal, the move came as a surprise as the Trump administration had never hinted at it after withdrawing from the Paris agreement on climate change.
Donald Trump Pulls US Out Of India-Led Solar Alliance In Sweeping Exit From 66 Global Agencies
US move coincides with call for defence budget rise The withdrawal, announced on Jan 7 via a presidential memorandum, affects 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN groups, including key bodies focused on health and education. This action coincides with Trump’s call for a $1.5 trillion defence budget in fiscal year 2027, a staggering 50% increase over current levels, fuelling debates about a shift towards a “Fortress America” doctrine that prioritises domestic strength, protectionism over global engagement.
The withdrawals build on an executive order issued shortly after Trump’s inauguration in Jan 2025, which directed a review of US participation in international bodies deemed contrary to national interests. Prominent targets include Unesco, which the US had briefly rejoined under the previous administration; and potentially WHO, echoing Trump’s first-term defunding over alleged biases toward China. Other entities span trade, human rights, and environmental forums, with the state department citing a total of 66 as “wasteful, ineffective, or harmful”.
In some cases, Washington has formally withdrawn; in others, it has suspended funding, reduced diplomatic engagement or signalled an intention to exit when legal timelines allow. Administration officials say these organisations “no longer serve American interests” and often promote poli
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