United States Orders Withdrawal from 66 International Entities, Potentially Reducing US Role in UN Tax and Climate Forums

2 minutes

The United States has ordered its withdrawal from 66 United Nations and non-UN international organizations, a decision that could affect US participation in UN–led international tax cooperation and related climate and economic policy processes. President Donald J. Trump ordered the withdrawals in a 7 January 2026 presidential memorandum, citing that continued US membership in or support for the listed organizations is contrary to US interests.

The White House

The memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to implement the withdrawals as soon as possible. For UN entities, withdrawal is to be carried out by ceasing participation in or funding for the listed bodies, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with applicable legal and appropriations constraints.

Among the UN entities listed is the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), together with several regional economic commissions operating under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). ECOSOC oversees the UN's economic and development policy architecture and is the parent body of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (Tax Committee), whose secretariat support is provided through DESA. As a result, although the memorandum does not expressly name the Tax Committee, withdrawal from DESA and ECOSOC-affiliated structures may reduce US participation in UN-led international tax cooperation, including technical work on cross-border taxation and issues arising from the taxation of the digitalized and globalized economy, subject to implementation guidance and legal limits on participation and funding.

The memorandum's list also includes the International Trade Centre and the UN Conference on Trade and Development. Withdrawal from these bodies may reduce US engagement in UN-related trade and development policy discussions and technical work.

In addition, the memorandum lists climate- and environment-related bodies, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as UN entities involved in energy and environmental policy. While the action does not amend US tax law, reduced US engagement in UN climate forums may limit US influence in multilateral discussions that intersect with climate-linked fiscal measures adopted by other jurisdictions, including carbon pricing instruments and border-related charges that can operate as tax-like costs for cross-border trade and multinational enterprises.

The memorandum authorizes the US Secretary of State to issue additional guidance to implement the withdrawals and states that the administration's review of further international organizations, conventions and treaties remains ongoing.

Report from Jannica Santos, Regional Editor. Follow our reporting on this via our daily Tax News Service (subscribers only).

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