Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from UNESCO by 2026

The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the second time during the Trump administration. The decision is based on the organization's ideological agenda, which the administration believes does not align with U.S. national interests.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, "President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, an organization that supports 'woke' and divisive cultural and social issues, completely at odds with the common-sense policies supported by Americans in the November election. The President will always put 'America First' and ensure that all international organizations in which the United States participates are aligned with our national interests."

Over the past few years, the United States has contributed approximately one-fifth of UNESCO's funding. This withdrawal decision comes after a previous exit during Trump's first term, which was later reversed by President Biden. In addition to UNESCO, Trump has also criticized and announced the U.S. withdrawal from other UN bodies, including the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council.

The State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce criticized UNESCO for allowing Palestine to join as a member state, stating that this decision has fueled anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization. Bruce noted that the U.S. withdrawal will take effect by the end of 2026.

Bruce also emphasized that UNESCO's focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is a global, ideologically driven development agenda that conflicts with the U.S.'s 'America First' foreign policy. This decision underscores the administration's commitment to prioritizing U.S. interests in its international engagements.