Trump Orders Second US Withdrawal from UNESCO

Former US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marking the second time he has taken such action during his political career.

The decision reverses President Joe Biden’s 2021 move to reinstate US membership, and will take effect on 31 December 2026.

Founded in the aftermath of World War II and headquartered in Paris, UNESCO was established to promote global peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. However, Trump’s administration accuses the organization of embracing divisive, extreme social and cultural agendas that conflict with core US interests.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that UNESCO supports controversial positions that undermine American values, asserting that Trump’s decision reflects the will of American voters who backed his policy direction in recent elections.

The US State Department echoed this stance, claiming that remaining in UNESCO contradicts America’s national priorities. The agency described UNESCO as advancing a globalist agenda that clashes with the "America First" foreign policy doctrine.

A key point of contention remains the organization's recognition of Palestine as a member state, a move Washington claims fuels anti-Israel rhetoric within UNESCO’s forums.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over the decision, although she noted it had been anticipated. Azoulay highlighted that the organization had already diversified its funding streams, with the US previously contributing just 8% of the agency’s overall budget.

She also rejected the US rationale, stressing that the issues cited in 2024 are identical to those raised in 2017, despite significant changes within the organization.

According to Azoulay, UNESCO has reduced political tension and now serves as a rare global platform for pragmatic multilateral cooperation. She also pointed out the organization's active role in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism, contradicting claims of ideological bias.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for UNESCO on X (formerly Twitter), affirming France’s unwavering commitment to the agency and its global mission to safeguard education, culture, science, and world heritage.

UNESCO officials have downplayed the immediate impact of the US departure, stating that all programmatic frameworks have been established in collaboration with both Israeli and Palestinian representatives over the past eight years. 

Diplomats within the agency say the move was widely expected for political reasons, especially following Biden’s rejoining of the organization and his pledge to settle outstanding dues from Trump’s initial withdrawal.