United States: The Trump administration has announced plans to withdraw the US from UNESCO, the United Nations agency focused on global cooperation in education, science, and culture. This move comes just two years after the US rejoined the organization under President Biden.
Why the US Is Leaving?
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that remaining in UNESCO is “not in the national interest of the United States,” citing the agency’s support for “divisive” social and cultural causes.
Bruce also criticized UNESCO for promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which include fighting poverty, promoting gender equality, and supporting clean energy. She said these goals reflect a “globalist” agenda that goes against the “America First” foreign policy, according to npr.org.
Palestinian Membership a Key Issue
One of the biggest concerns raised was UNESCO’s decision to admit Palestine as a member state in 2011. Bruce said this move is “highly problematic” and has helped spread anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has withdrawn from UNESCO. A similar decision was made in 2018, also tied to concerns about bias against Israel.
UNESCO Reacts to the Decision
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the US decision “disappointing but expected.” The withdrawal will become official at the end of 2026.
She added that the move could impact many US communities that are collaborating with UNESCO on projects, including World Heritage site designations, Creative City titles, and university partnerships.
What Does UNESCO Do?
UNESCO has 194 member countries and manages more than 1,200 World Heritage sites worldwide — 26 of which are in the United States, including:
- Statue of Liberty
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Yosemite National Park
Being on the World Heritage list helps these sites receive international funding and support for protection and maintenance, as per npr.org.
US and UNESCO: A History of On-and-Off Membership
- In 2011, after Palestine was admitted, the Obama administration stopped funding UNESCO.
- In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the organization entirely.
- In 2023, Biden brought the US back in and agreed to pay $600 million in unpaid dues.
- Now, Trump is repeating the withdrawal, citing the same concerns.
This ongoing back-and-forth highlights the deep divisions in US foreign policy regarding collaboration with international organizations like UNESCO.
