Trump Pulls U.S. from UNESCO for 3rd Time, Citing Israel Bias/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The United States will once again exit the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO, citing long-standing claims of anti-Israel bias. The move, announced by the Trump administration, marks the third U.S. withdrawal and second under Trump. The departure will officially take effect in December 2026.
U.S. UNESCO Withdrawal + Quick Looks
- U.S. to exit UNESCO again, citing anti-Israel bias
- White House says UNESCO promotes “woke” and divisive causes
- Trump previously withdrew U.S. in 2017 during his first term
- U.S. had only rejoined two years ago under President Biden
- The withdrawal takes effect in December 2026
- UNESCO has faced criticism for including Palestine in 2011
- The Reagan administration also pulled out in 1984, rejoining in 2003
- U.S. and Israel have suspended funding to UNESCO since 2011
Deep Look: U.S. to Exit UNESCO Over Anti-Israel Claims, “Woke” Culture Criticized
The United States is once again preparing to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Trump administration announced Tuesday. The move comes just two years after rejoining under the Biden administration and marks the third U.S. exit from the Paris-based agency.
White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the decision to the New York Post, stating that President Donald Trump is acting on concerns that UNESCO promotes “woke, divisive” causes and maintains an institutional bias against Israel.
“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,” Kelly said.
UNESCO officials and the agency itself have not yet issued a formal response to the announcement.
A Familiar Withdrawal
This is not the first time Trump has taken the U.S. out of UNESCO. In 2017, during his first term, his administration cited similar concerns about anti-Israel stances and formally exited the agency a year later. The core complaint stems from UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a full member, prompting both the U.S. and Israel to halt funding to the organization.
Trump’s 2025 decision to exit again comes after a review ordered earlier this year by the administration, which was expected to lead to this result. It also follows the 2023 reentry into UNESCO championed by former President Joe Biden — a move viewed by many in Trump’s circle as politically motivated.
The exit will not take full effect until December 2026, allowing time for the transition and potential diplomatic fallout.
History of U.S. and UNESCO
The United States has a long and turbulent relationship with UNESCO:
- 1984: Under President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. first withdrew, claiming the organization was corrupt, mismanaged, and too aligned with Soviet interests.
- 2003: The U.S. rejoined during President George W. Bush’s administration in a bid to re-engage in global diplomacy.
- 2011: UNESCO admits Palestine, leading to a halt in U.S. and Israeli funding.
- 2017–2018: Trump initiates a second withdrawal over pro-Palestinian bias.
- 2023: Biden brings the U.S. back into the fold, restoring limited funding.
This latest move marks the second UNESCO withdrawal under Trump, a reflection of his administration’s broader skepticism toward multilateral organizations.
Political and Global Implications
The decision underscores Trump’s ongoing foreign policy priorities, including strong support for Israel and opposition to what his administration deems “globalist” or ideologically driven institutions.
UNESCO, meanwhile, has been at the center of multiple geopolitical disputes in recent years, particularly over cultural heritage in contested territories, like Jerusalem.
Critics of the U.S. withdrawal warn it could weaken America’s cultural and diplomatic influence, especially as rival nations like China and Russia expand their roles in international institutions.
While the White House has doubled down, calling UNESCO’s programs out-of-step with American values, international reactions are expected to be swift, particularly from European allies and education-focused NGOs.
What Comes Next?
With the exit taking effect at the end of 2026, there remains a window for potential diplomatic compromise or reentry — should the political landscape change. However, the Trump administration has given no signal that it intends to reconsider.
The move is likely to fuel further debates in Congress over the U.S. role in global organizations and the country’s ability to influence international norms on education, science, and culture from the outside.
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