On July 22, 2025, the U.S. State Department confirmed that the United States will formally pull out of UNESCO by December 31, 2026. This marks the third time America is exiting the UN’s cultural and educational agency since helping establish it in 1945.
The move fits into President Trump’s second-term “America First” agenda, continuing his withdrawal from international bodies such as the WHO and the UN Human Rights Council. U.S. officials criticized UNESCO for advancing “woke,” divisive social programs and alleged anti-Israel bias, including its endorsement of Palestinian membership.
Founded in 1945, UNESCO supports global cooperation in education, culture, and science, and is known for its World Heritage Site designations. The U.S. rejoined the agency in 2023, clearing over $600 million in past dues, and contributes roughly 8% of its budget.
Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret but said the departure was anticipated and that UNESCO has prepared by diversifying funding and making structural reforms. She emphasized that UNESCO would continue its peace-building work—from restoring heritage in Mosul to pioneering AI ethics and championing Holocaust education—with no immediate plans for layoffs.
Reactions from around the globe
- France’s President Emmanuel Macron pledged unwavering support for UNESCO, calling it a global guardian of culture and science.
- China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the withdrawal as unbecoming of a major power.
- Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked the U.S., asserting the move was necessary to uphold fairness in UN forums.
🇺🇸 America’s UNESCO track record
1. 1945 – Founding member.
2. 1983 – Withdrew under Reagan over perceived politicization.
3. 2003 – Rejoined during George W. Bush’s presidency after reforms.
4. 2018 – Pulled out under Trump’s first term, citing anti-Israel bias.
5. 2023 – Biden administration rejoined, settling arrears.
6. 2025 – Trump’s second-term exit, effective end of 2026.
What this means
Although U.S. contributions—about 8% of UNESCO’s funding—will cease, UNESCO has reduced dependency on Washington by boosting voluntary contributions, which have doubled since 2018. The organization asserts it is financially resilient and will maintain its global operations without immediate job cuts.
Supporters of the U.S. withdrawal argue it addresses ideological drift in global institutions, while opponents say it cedes influence to other powers like China and diminishes the U.S.’s voice in key cultural and educational fields.
