“We are leaving the Paris Accord—immediately submitting withdrawal.”
The promise
The pledge to exit the Paris Agreement returned as a centerpiece of the energy agenda. On January 20, 2025, the administration ordered immediate notification to withdraw from Paris and related UNFCCC climate commitments, restarting the legal process for exit and halting implementation steps tied to U.S. nationally determined contributions. Diplomatically, the move reoriented U.S. posture in climate forums and signaled a broader rollback of climate finance commitments. Domestically, agencies began revising rules, guidance, and program criteria premised on Paris-aligned goals, while states, cities, and firms debated whether to sustain voluntary targets. Supporters framed withdrawal as economic self-defense against costly obligations; opponents warned of credibility loss and climate risks. Analyses highlighted likely effects on investment signals and cooperation with allies. As a “withdraw notification” promise, the order and diplomatic steps to effect withdrawal were initiated, even as the one-year treaty timetable and follow-on litigation continue.
