Trump Administration’s UN Withdrawals and Impact on International Cooperation

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump significantly altered the United States’ relationship with international organizations, particularly those affiliated with the United Nations. Beginning in 2025, a series of withdrawals and funding cuts sparked protests and raised concerns about the future of multilateralism and global cooperation. This shift impacted organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland, a major hub for international diplomacy.

Withdrawal from International Organizations

In September 2025, President Trump announced the U.S. Would exit 66 international organizations, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), both based in Geneva. This move followed earlier withdrawals from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and the Human Rights Council. According to Swiss-US political analyst Daniel Warner, the overarching motivation behind these withdrawals was to prevent any perceived erosion of American sovereignty.

Impact on Geneva-Based Organizations

The withdrawals directly affected several Geneva-based organizations crucial for international development, and cooperation. UNCTAD and the International Trade Centre, both key providers of technical assistance to developing nations, faced reduced support. The IPCC, a leading body for assessing climate change, too experienced a severing of support.

Protests and Concerns

The job cuts resulting from these funding reductions led to protests by UN staff in Geneva. In May 2025, hundreds of UN employees demonstrated against the losses, triggered by the U.S. Aid cuts under President Trump. These actions highlighted the broader concerns about the U.S. Diminishing commitment to multilateralism.

U.S. Engagement in Specific Negotiations

Despite the broader trend of withdrawal, the U.S. Demonstrated selective engagement in certain international negotiations. Notably, the U.S. Participated in treaty talks aimed at creating a global accord to complete plastic pollution in Geneva in August 2025, a rare instance of international participation under the Trump administration.

Looking Ahead

The Trump administration’s actions signaled a significant shift in U.S. Foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty and questioning the value of international cooperation. While some observers suggested the withdrawals were more symbolic than financially devastating, the impact on affected organizations and the broader international landscape was undeniable. The long-term consequences of these decisions continue to be assessed as the global community navigates a changing geopolitical environment.