The United States and other world powers agreed to reduce their nuclear stockpiles in the late 20th century. However, some smaller countries refused and the UN imposed sanctions. Terrorist groups sought nuclear weapons to cause mass destruction. The US launched a War on Terrorism to dismantle these groups over many years. With the threats declining, the US reduced anti-terrorism funding and military presence abroad. Some cabinet members warned this could breed new terrorist activity, but the president believed the terrorism threat was in the past and funding cuts were justified.