Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Trump threatens pullout from WTO in latest snub of multilateralism

The U.S. president said he would withdraw the U.S. from the independent World Trade Organization if it doesn't 'shape up.'

, and Arete News Staff

August 30, 2018 . 4:00 PM

3 min read

A sculpture behind the World Trade Organization's headquarters in Geneva. (AN/J. Heilprin)

GENEVA (AN) — U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to pull the United States out of the World Trade Organization, an independent colossus that underpins trade rules among nations.

It is the latest example of Trump's enmity for multilateralism.

This article is for paying subscribers only

Join now

Already have an account? Log in

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA) 1994 — Paris Agreement 2015 — Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11) 2018 — U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) — UNESCO — United Nations — Americas — World Trade Organization (WTO) — United States — Bertelsmann Stiftung — China

Latest

The U.N. humanitarian agency said it needs nearly $640 million over the next six months to help Lebanon.

Security & Geopolitics

U.N. appeal shows how regional conflict is reshaping Lebanon

2 min read

Free+

While the request reflects immediate needs, officials describe the crisis as a threat to Lebanon's long-term resilience.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger addresses reporters after her nation won a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council on June 3, 2026.

Security & Geopolitics

Germany's Security Council defeat exposes limits of influence at U.N.

4 min read

Free+

Despite being the U.N.'s second-largest contributor, Berlin failed to secure a two-year seat, losing to Portugal and Austria.

A data center built in Coleraine, a low electrical consumption area of Northern Ireland, minimizes localized grid strain.

Energy & Environment

AI's growing appetite for energy and water raises governance questions

3 min read

Free+

Data centers could soon require the same amount of drinking water needed by the world's population for about 1.6 years.

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman speaks to reporters in New York immediately after being elected president of the U.N. General Assembly's 81st session on June 2, 2026.

Security & Geopolitics

Rare contested election signals high stakes in debate over U.N. reforms

3 min read

Free+

Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman won a narrow vote to lead the General Assembly as nations prepare to confront reforms.

Trump threatens pullout from WTO in latest snub of multilateralism

This article is for paying subscribers only

Related

Latest

Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter