The United States has officially withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing the agency’s alleged bias against Israel and its promotion of what the U.S. government describes as “divisive global agendas.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, by the U.S. State Department, marking the second time Washington has exited the UN body. The first occurred under President Donald Trump in 2017, and although President Joe Biden restored the country’s membership, the Trump administration—now in its second term—has reinstated the withdrawal.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. She accused the agency of advancing a “globalist, ideological agenda” through its focus on United Nations sustainability goals.
Bruce also criticized UNESCO’s 2011 decision to grant full membership to Palestine, calling it “highly problematic and contrary to U.S. policy,” adding that it has fueled “anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization.”
The U.S. departure is the latest in a series of tensions between Washington and international institutions perceived by the current administration as failing to align with American foreign policy goals. The statement described UNESCO’s programs as promoting “divisive social and cultural causes” at odds with U.S. values.
UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, is widely known for its work in preserving cultural heritage and promoting international cooperation in education, science, and culture. Its World Heritage Sites list includes globally recognized landmarks such as Egypt’s Pyramids, Greece’s Acropolis, the Serengeti in Tanzania, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Despite the exit, the organization has stated its commitment to fostering peace through education and cultural understanding. “UNESCO’s mission remains focused on building peace in the minds of men and women,” a senior official at the agency said in response to the U.S. move.
Historically, the U.S. has had a tumultuous relationship with UNESCO. President Ronald Reagan pulled the country out in the 1980s over concerns of mismanagement and pro-Soviet bias. The U.S. rejoined during George W. Bush’s presidency but withheld funding for several years after Palestine’s admission.
With this latest withdrawal, the future of American involvement in global cultural and educational initiatives remains uncertain.
