Citing the protection of U.S. national interests, President Donald Trump’s administration has decided to withdraw the United States from key UN agencies and other international organizations. This includes treaties related to climate change and key UN bodies working on gender equality and women’s rights.

According to a memo sent to senior officials in Trump’s administration, the list designated for withdrawal includes 31 UN agencies and 35 other international organizations. Trump has stated that this decision was taken because these entities are operating contrary to America’s national interest. The memo states that with this measure, U.S. financial assistance to these institutions and participation in their operations will be ceased to the maximum extent legally permissible.

Manish Bapna, head of the Natural Resources Defense Council, noted that the United States would become the first country to withdraw from the UN framework on climate change, or UNFCCC. Prior to this, the U.S. had also refused to participate in the annual UN Climate Summit.

Furthermore, last year the U.S. cut financial aid to the UN agency (UNFPA) which is active in empowering women in over 150 countries. Trump has previously been significantly reducing voluntary aid provided by the U.S. to various UN bodies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has not yet officially commented on this harsh measure taken by the world’s most powerful nation.