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US Withdraws from UNESCO: Key Points
- UNESCO Director Expresses Regret: The head of UNESCO described the decision as unfortunate but anticipated.
- White House Criticism: Officials stated that UNESCO supports progressive causes that clash with American values.
- Positive Response from Israel: Israel applauded the U.S. decision to exit.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from UNESCO, the United Nations agency focused on culture and education. This move mirrors an action he took during his first term, which was later reversed by President Joe Biden.
The exit from this Paris-based organization, established after World War II to foster global cooperation in education, science, and culture, will be effective on December 31, 2026.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly remarked, “President Trump has decided to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, which advocates for divisive cultural and social issues that diverge from the common-sense policies Americans endorsed in the election.”
The State Department noted that staying in UNESCO did not align with U.S. national interests, accusing the agency of promoting a “globalist, ideological agenda” that contradicts the America First foreign policy.
UNESCO’s chief, Audrey Azoulay, stated she was disappointed by Trump’s decision, yet acknowledged it was anticipated and that the agency had prepared accordingly. She mentioned that the U.S. contributes only about 8% of UNESCO’s budget.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for UNESCO on social media, emphasizing it as a universal guardian of education, culture, and world heritage, asserting that the U.S. exit would not diminish their commitment to these values.
Trump had previously withdrawn the U.S. from several international organizations during his first term, including the World Health Organization, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the UN Human Rights Council. His recent actions indicate a reinstatement of these earlier policies.
UNESCO officials indicated that the U.S. withdrawal would minimally affect programs funded by American contributions.
Rising Tensions?
Israel welcomed the U.S. decision to depart from UNESCO. The State Department highlighted that one of the reasons for this decision was UNESCO’s admission of Palestine as a member state, which they argued contradicted U.S. policy and fueled anti-Israel sentiment within the agency.
UNESCO representatives noted that statements from the agency reflected consensus built with both Israel and Palestine over the previous eight years. Azoulay commented, “The reasons for the U.S. exit are similar to those presented seven years ago, despite significant political changes and reduced tensions. UNESCO now serves as a unique platform for constructive multilateralism.”
She added that these claims are at odds with UNESCO’s initiatives, particularly in Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism. Diplomats at UNESCO viewed the U.S. withdrawal as politically driven, especially following Biden’s decision to re-enter and settle past dues.
UNESCO, formally known as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is recognized for designating World Heritage Sites like the Grand Canyon in the U.S. and the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria.
The United States was one of the founding members of UNESCO in 1945 but first withdrew in 1984 due to concerns over financial mismanagement and perceived biases against the U.S. It returned in 2003 after reforms were implemented under President George W. Bush.
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