In a surprising move, the United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the third time, marking another significant shift in its global engagement under President Donald Trump.
The U.S. State Department revealed on Tuesday that the withdrawal will take effect at the end of December 2026. The decision comes just two years after the U.S. rejoined the agency, signaling a recurring pattern in its relationship with UNESCO.
According to the State Department’s statement, the move is due to concerns over UNESCO’s policies that Washington views as advancing “divisive social and cultural causes,” particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflicts. “UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” the statement read.
Tammy Bruce, spokeswoman for the State Department, stated, “Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States.”
UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the U.S.’s decision but noted that it was not unexpected. “I deeply regret President Donald Trump’s decision to once again withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO,” Azoulay said. “However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it.”
During his first term, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from several major international organizations and agreements, including UNESCO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Paris climate accord, and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. His successor, President Joe Biden, had reversed many of those decisions upon taking office in 2021, restoring U.S. participation in these global institutions.
Now, with President Trump back in the White House, the U.S. is once again pulling out from these international bodies. Executive orders have already been signed to quit the Paris climate accord and the UNHRC earlier this year.
The U.S.’s recurring departures from UNESCO raise questions about its long-term commitment to international cooperation on education, science, and culture. For many young people around the world, especially in the Global South, UNESCO’s programs play a vital role in promoting cultural heritage and educational opportunities.
The implications of the U.S.’s withdrawal remain to be seen, but the move highlights ongoing tensions in global diplomacy and the challenges faced by international organizations in fostering unity among member states.
