In a significant development, the United Nations has reasserted that the United States bears a 'legal obligation' to fulfill its financial commitments to UN agencies, despite President Donald Trump's recent executive order. On January 7, 2026, President Trump, in his second term, directed the withdrawal of the U.S. from a total of 66 international organizations. This sweeping directive encompasses 31 entities affiliated with the United Nations and an additional 35 non-UN organizations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret over the Trump administration's decision, which targets crucial bodies such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UNESCO, and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, highlighted that assessed contributions to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets are legally binding under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States. The UN underscored that these entities would continue their mandated work, affirming their responsibility to those who depend on them. Notably, UN officials reportedly received news of the withdrawals through media reports and White House social media channels, indicating a lack of formal communication from the Trump administration regarding these actions. This move signals a further retreat by the U.S. from multilateral engagement, echoing similar actions during Trump's first presidency, and is expected to have substantial implications for global governance, climate initiatives, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation.