Overview
- The State Department confirmed the withdrawal took effect Jan. 27, 2026, one year after President Trump’s notice to the U.N. issued on Jan. 20, 2025.
- The United States becomes the only country to leave the pact twice and now stands outside the agreement with Iran, Libya and Yemen.
- The White House is advancing departures from the underlying UNFCCC and related climate bodies, which experts say would complicate any swift re-entry despite the ICJ’s 2025 opinion affirming ongoing climate obligations.
- Rights groups and officials condemned the move as a leadership vacuum and a potential “race to the bottom,” while the White House hailed an “America First” victory.
- Subnational and market forces signal continued momentum, with Houston and California pledging Paris-aligned goals and renewables comprising over 90% of new power capacity last year globally.