The Trump administration formally rejected the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arguing that they undermine U.S. sovereignty and economic priorities. The SDGs, adopted in 2015 by 193 countries, focus on eradicating poverty, promoting clean energy, and addressing climate change. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. had committed to aligning national policies with these goals. However, in 2019, the Trump administration announced that it would no longer support the SDGs, calling them an attempt at “global governance” that conflicted with American interests. This move was part of Trump’s broader “America First” policy, which emphasized domestic economic growth over international agreements. The rejection came alongside other high-profile withdrawals, including the Paris Climate Agreement and reductions in U.S. contributions to global development programs.
The consequences of this decision were significant both at home and abroad. Domestically, it signaled a shift away from federally driven sustainability initiatives, leaving state and local governments, as well as private sector organizations, to lead on issues like climate action and social equity. Internationally, it weakened global momentum on sustainable development, as the U.S.—one of the world’s largest economies and aid contributors—scaled back its engagement. Critics argued that the withdrawal hindered collective efforts to combat climate change and poverty, while supporters claimed it protected U.S. businesses from burdensome international regulations. Trump’s stance reshaped America’s role in global sustainability discussions, creating a leadership vacuum that allowed other nations, such as China and the European Union, to take a more prominent role in shaping environmental and economic policies worldwide. More