Sen. Mike Lee and Republicans launch effort to withdraw US from United Nations
Republican lawmakers have initiated a bold move to withdraw the United States from the United Nations, citing concerns that the international organization does not prioritize American interests and does not align with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah introduced the Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 on Thursday, which aims to terminate U.S. membership in the U.N. and its affiliated bodies, as well as funding to these groups. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee is co-sponsoring the measure in the Senate, while Rep. Chip Roy of Texas is set to introduce it in the House on Friday.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Sen. Lee expressed his belief that the United Nations has become a platform for tyrants and an entity that frequently attacks America and its allies. He emphasized the need to stop funding an organization that no longer serves the interests of the United States. Rep. Roy echoed these sentiments, criticizing the U.N. for failing to prevent conflicts, genocides, human rights violations, and pandemics despite receiving significant financial support from the U.S.
One of the U.N. bodies under scrutiny is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has faced allegations of employing individuals linked to Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. The temporary suspension of U.S. funding for UNRWA in response to these allegations underscores the growing discontent with the organization’s practices. Several Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Rogers, Eli Crane, Diana Harshbarger, Anna Paulina Luna, Harriet Hageman, Josh Brecheen, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have co-sponsored the legislation to withdraw from the U.N.
The proposed legislation outlines that the U.S. would refrain from participating in U.N.-led peace negotiations and would require Senate approval for any future agreements with the organization. This move signifies a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards prioritizing alliances that better serve American interests. Despite some Democrats expressing support for the U.N., a significant portion of Republicans remain skeptical of the organization, as highlighted in a Pew Research Center survey.
President Trump’s efforts to reduce funding to U.N. bodies during his tenure have set the stage for this latest move by Republican lawmakers. His decision to withdraw from the U.N.’s Human Rights Council and cut funding for UNRWA demonstrates a commitment to reevaluating the U.S.’s relationship with the international organization. The introduction of the legislation to disengage from the U.N. reflects a broader push to realign America’s foreign policy in line with its national interests.
In conclusion, the Republican-led initiative to withdraw from the United Nations signals a significant departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy. By prioritizing alliances that benefit America and its allies, lawmakers aim to ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested in organizations that advance the country’s security and prosperity. As the debate over the U.N.’s role continues, the future of U.S. involvement in the international organization remains uncertain.
