Former President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO again, citing the agency’s support for “woke” and “divisive” causes, which he claims conflict with his “America First” policy. The move, effective at the end of next year, repeats a decision he made in 2017 that was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2023.
The Trump administration criticized UNESCO for its ideological stance and its 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member, which they say fueled anti-Israel sentiment. White House and State Department officials described UNESCO as pushing a globalist agenda misaligned with U.S. interests.
UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay expressed regret but said the organization is prepared for the withdrawal, noting that U.S. funding now makes up only about 8% of its budget. France reaffirmed its strong support for UNESCO, while Israel welcomed the U.S. move, citing longstanding concerns over bias.
The U.S. has a history of tensions with UNESCO, having withdrawn in 1984 and 2017, and rejoined in 2003 and 2023. UNESCO is widely known for its World Heritage Sites, including 26 in the U.S. like the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty.
Credit: CGTN