The United States is set to withdraw from UNESCO for the third time in four decades, following renewed criticism from the Trump administration over the organization’s policies. White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the move in a statement to the New York Post, describing UNESCO’s initiatives as “woke, divisive cultural and social causes” misaligned with policies supported by American voters. The withdrawal, slated to take effect in December 2026, marks the nation’s second exit from the United Nations cultural body under Donald Trump’s leadership. Neither UNESCO nor the White House immediately validated the decision publicly.
This latest departure reflects a recurring pattern in U.S. engagement with the Paris-based agency. During Trump’s first term, the administration withdrew in 2017, citing alleged anti-Israel bias after UNESCO granted Palestine full membership in 2011. The U.S. and Israel subsequently halted funding, depriving the organization of significant financial contributions. A five-year absence followed until President Joe Biden’s administration rejoined in 2023. UNESCO officials reportedly anticipated this reversal, given the Trump team’s months-long review of the agency’s activities and the prior withdrawal’s political context.
Historical precedents underscore the nation’s fraught relationship with the institution. In 1984, under Ronald Reagan, the U.S. exited UNESCO, accusing it of corruption and advancing Soviet interests. It rejoined in 2003 under George W. Bush, only to leave again 14 years later. Each withdrawal has coincided with shifts in domestic politics, with Republican administrations criticizing the agency’s governance or policy focus.
The delayed 2026 exit date suggests a procedural timeline, allowing for diplomatic protocols or potential policy reversals. However, the move signals ongoing tensions over UNESCO’s role in addressing global cultural heritage, education, and scientific collaboration. Critics argue that reduced U.S. involvement weakens multilateral efforts, while supporters of the withdrawal emphasize prioritizing national interests.
The agency, founded in 1945 to promote peace through education and cultural preservation, now faces renewed uncertainty as its largest historical funder steps back. The decision’s long-term implications for UNESCO’s programs—and America’s influence in global institutions—remain uncertain, echoing debates over the nation’s role in international cooperation.
