Memorandum on Withdrawing the United States From International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties That Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States
Issued 2026-01-07 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This memorandum directs executive branch agencies to take steps to withdraw the United States from certain international organizations, conventions, and treaties. Following a review conducted by the Secretary of State, the President determined that remaining involved with these entities – including organizations like the Non-United Nations Colombo Plan Council, and various international forums – is not in the best interest of the United States. The memorandum builds on an earlier executive order that initiated this review process and outlined a strategy for ending U.S. funding and participation in these groups.
The actions described in this memorandum will affect how the United States interacts with numerous international bodies and agreements. Specifically, for organizations like the United Nations, this means ceasing participation and funding to those entities as much as legally possible. The President has directed agencies to implement these changes promptly, and the Secretary of State’s ongoing review will determine if further withdrawals are necessary.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This presidential memorandum ("Memorandum on Withdrawing the United States From International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties That Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States") provides direction to executive branch agencies. Presidential memoranda function similarly to executive orders but are typically more narrow in scope, addressing specific agencies or implementation details. The President's authority to direct executive branch operations is grounded in Article II of the Constitution.
Memoranda are a routine administrative tool. They guide agencies on priorities, interpretation of statutes, and implementation procedures. As long as they operate within the bounds of existing law and respect congressional mandates, they are a standard exercise of presidential power that every modern administration has used.
Official Summary
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