US Announces Withdrawal From UNESCO For The Third Time, Here’s Why!

The White House confirmed on Tuesday that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the third time. This move comes just two years after the U.S. rejoined the Paris-based agency, reversing its 2018 departure.

President Donald Trump attributed the decision to what he described as UNESCO’s “anti-America and anti-Israel leanings,” along with what his administration labels a “woke agenda.” In February, the president ordered a 90-day review of America’s UNESCO membership, explicitly directing investigators to scrutinize any “anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.”

According to a White House official, the review flagged UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives as well as its “pro-Palestinian and pro-China bias.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended the withdrawal statement, saying, “President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November. This President will always put America First and ensure our country’s membership in all international organizations aligns with our national interests.”

The official departure will take effect on December 31, 2026, per Article II(6) of UNESCO’s Constitution. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated this timeline: “Pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution, U.S. withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026. The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time.”

Bruce added, “Continued US participation in international organisations will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction.”

This marks Washington’s third exit from UNESCO. The initial withdrawal occurred in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, who criticized the agency for perceived mismanagement and anti-Western bias. The U.S. returned in 2003 under President George W. Bush, only to depart again in 2017 during President Trump’s first term, citing persistent anti-Israel bias and frustration over unpaid dues and stalled reforms.

U.S. officials also objected to UNESCO’s decision to admit the “State of Palestine” as a member, which they argued ran counter to American policy and further contributed to anti-Israel sentiment within the organization. Although the U.S. provides roughly 8% of UNESCO’s budget, less than its contribution to bodies like the World Health Organization, its exit is expected to deal a significant blow to UNESCO’s programs in education, cultural preservation, and the fight against hate speech.

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