U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on the 7th declaring the U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including 31 under United Nations auspices. These organizations are related to climate, peace, human rights, and more. Trump stated, “Participating in these organizations runs counter to America’s interests.”
On the same day, Trump announced plans to increase U.S. defense spending by approximately 1.7 times. The defense budget, currently at $901 billion (approximately 1,300 trillion Korean won), will surge to $1.5 trillion (approximately 2,200 trillion Korean won) next year. This would push the U.S.—already nicknamed the “quadrillion nation” for its $1 trillion annual defense budget—into an “dual-quadrillion nation” era. The move signals a prioritization of physical military might over “soft power” aimed at solving global issues unrelated to U.S. interests.
Trump’s actions are interpreted as a departure from post-World War II international cooperation norms. Soon after taking office last year, he shut down the U.S. International Development Agency (USAID), withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO), and has consistently resisted global efforts to address climate change and provide foreign aid. The withdrawal from 66 international organizations marks an extreme escalation of his “America First” policy. Trump remarked, “In tough times, we must prioritize our nation’s interests.”
The White House-released memorandum specifies withdrawal from organizations such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Democracy Fund, UN Conference on Trade and Development, and regional committees under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It also includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, World Conservation Union, and International Solar Alliance.
Most of these organizations were established to promote “DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)” values, which Trump has long criticized. The White House denounced them as “operating in ways contrary to America’s national interests, security, prosperity, and sovereignty.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The era of billions in taxpayer dollars flowing to foreign ‘special interest groups’ at the expense of our citizens is over.” Trump had previously ordered a review of whether U.S. participation in international organizations, agreements, and treaties aligns with American interests.
Trump effectively abolished USAID, which had spent over $40 billion annually, and drastically scaled back foreign aid. The U.S. has also withheld its UN dues. The UN, which relies on the U.S. for approximately 22% of its regular budget, has begun restructuring its workforce due to the unpaid contributions.
Regarding the defense budget increase to $2 trillion, Trump posted on social media, “This budget will enable the ‘Dream Military’ we should have had long ago—one that will keep us safe and secure against any adversary.” He added, “Massive tariff revenues from other countries will fund this defense budget.”
Trump has previously unveiled plans to build the “Golden Dome,” a satellite-based missile defense system, and the “Golden Fleet,” a fleet of futuristic warships. He aims to establish unrivaled global military supremacy. Renaming the Department of Defense the “War Department,” Trump directly ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and, as the new year began, invaded Caracas to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He has also expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, and has not ruled out military action.
