WASHINGTON – The United States is making changes to its involvement with several international groups. The government is looking closely at which organizations it supports, making sure they truly benefit the American people.
President Trump has signed an order pausing U.S. support for over sixty groups. These groups include some connected to the United Nations. The decision follows a review of how these organizations operate and how they are funded.
Many of the groups affected deal with issues like climate, labor, and migration. The Trump administration believes some of these groups focus too much on “woke” ideas or don’t align with American values. Other groups not connected to the UN, like the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, are also on the list.
The State Department explained that these groups are often poorly managed, waste money, or push agendas that go against America’s interests. The administration believes it’s important to protect America’s freedom and prosperity.
This move follows earlier decisions to withdraw support from groups like the World Health Organization and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The U.S. is taking a more selective approach, choosing which groups to support based on whether they serve American interests.
Some experts say this shows the U.S. wants international cooperation only on its own terms. This is a change from how previous administrations, both Republican and Democrat, have worked with the UN.
These changes have caused some groups to cut staff and programs. Some independent aid organizations have also had to close projects because the U.S. has reduced foreign aid.
However, U.S. officials say they still see value in the UN. They want to focus taxpayer money on efforts that will increase American influence, especially in areas where the U.S. is competing with China.
One of the groups the U.S. is leaving is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This group supports climate change efforts in developing countries. President Trump has long questioned climate change and withdrew from the Paris climate agreement.
Some worry that the U.S. withdrawal from climate groups could hurt global efforts to reduce emissions. They say it could give other countries an excuse to do less. Experts also say it’s hard to make progress on climate change without the U.S., which is a major economic power.
The UN’s population agency is also affected. Republicans have long opposed this agency, accusing it of supporting forced abortions in countries like China. While the Biden administration restored funding, the current administration disagrees with the agency’s approach.
Other groups the U.S. will no longer support include groups focused on energy, education, cotton, timber, geography, arts, and lead and zinc studies. The State Department says it is still reviewing other organizations.
