Executive Order 14199

Withdrawing the United States From and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations

Signed February 4, 2025, printed at 90 FR 9275. 4 sections of substance, 945 words.

In plain English

This order pulls the country out of some United Nations bodies. It cuts their funding. Others are to be reviewed.

Sec. 1. Purpose

The United States helped found the United Nations (UN) after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. But some of the UN's agencies and bodies have drifted from this mission and instead act contrary to the interests of the United States while attacking our allies and propagating anti-Semitism. As in 2018, when the United States withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the United States will reevaluate our commitment to these institutions. Three UN organizations that deserve renewed scrutiny are the UNHRC; the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were

In plain English

This sets out the case the order makes. It says the country helped found the United Nations. It says some parts of it now work against that aim. It says some attack allies and spread anti-Semitism. It names three bodies for review. Those are the rights council, the culture body and the relief agency.

Sec. 2. UNHRC and UNESCO Participation

(a) The United States will not participate in the UNHRC and will not seek election to that body. The Secretary shall terminate the office of United States Representative to the UNHRC and any positions primarily dedicated to supporting the United States Representative to the UNHRC. (b) The United States will also conduct a review of its membership in UNESCO. This review shall be led by the Secretary, in coordination with the United States Representative to the United Nations (UN Ambassador), and must be completed within 90 days of the date of this order. The review will include an evaluation of how and if UNESCO supports United States interests. In particular, the review will include an analysis of any anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.

In plain English

This is about two of those bodies. The country will not sit on the rights council. It will not seek a seat there. The post of representative to it is closed. Its membership in the culture body is under review. That review is due in 90 days. It must weigh any bias against Israel there.

Sec. 3. Funding

(a) Executive departments and agencies shall not use any funds for a contribution, grant, or other payment to UNRWA, consistent with section 301 of title III, division G, of Public Law 118-47 (March 23, 2024). The Secretary shall withdraw the determination previously made under section 7048(c)(1) of title VII, division F, of Public Law 118-47. Accordingly, of the funds appropriated for a contribution to the UN Regular Budget under the heading ``Contributions to International Organizations'' of Public Law 118-47, as most recently continued by Public Law 118-158 (December 21, 2024), the Secretary shall withhold the United States proportionate share of the total annual amount of UN Regular Budget funding for the UNHRC, consistent with section 7048(c) of title VII, division F, of Public Law 118-47. [[Page 9276]] (b) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary, in consultation

In plain English

This cuts off money. No agency may fund the relief agency for Palestinians. A 2024 law backs that. An earlier finding is withdrawn. The country's share of dues for the rights council is held back. A further report follows within 180 days.

Sec. 4. Notification

The Secretary shall inform the UN Secretary General and the leadership of UNRWA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that the United States will not fund UNRWA or the UNHRC and that the United States will not satisfy any claims to pay 2025 assessments or prior arrears by these organizations.

In plain English

This gives notice. State must tell the head of the United Nations. It must tell two of its bodies too. One aids Palestinian refugees. One handles human rights. The message is that neither will be funded. It also says no 2025 dues will be paid. Old unpaid dues are refused as well.

Sec. 5. General Provisions

Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, February 4, 2025. [FR Doc. 2025-02504 Filed 2-7-25; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P </pre></body> </html>

In plain English

This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.

How this order is quoted

Each section is quoted as the order prints it, under its own number and heading. Executive orders are United States government works and are not under copyright. Long sections are cut at a sentence and the whole order is a click away.