John AdoyiPresident Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), for the second time, accusing the agency of promoting “woke” and “divisive” cultural agendas that he claims are inconsistent with American values.
The move marks the second time a Trump administration has pulled the US out of the UN agency, and comes just two years after President Joe Biden restored American membership.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt also coincides with the Senate confirmation hearings of Mike Waltz, President Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz, a staunch critic of multilateral diplomacy, is widely expected to reinforce Trump’s sceptical approach to international organisations.
The timing underscores a broader foreign policy strategy to distance the United States from bodies the administration views as ideologically misaligned or hostile to American allies, particularly Israel.
The decision follows a 90-day review ordered by the White House in February, in which the administration examined what it described as persistent anti-Israel sentiment and instances of antisemitism within UNESCO. The withdrawal is set to take full effect on 31 December 2026.
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In a statement, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said UNESCO supports “woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out of step with the common-sense policies that Americans voted for in November.” She added that President Trump “will always put America first and ensure our country’s membership in all international organisations aligns with our national interests.”
UNESCO has long been a flashpoint in US foreign policy. President Trump previously withdrew the US from the agency in 2017 during his first term, citing anti-Israel bias. The move took effect the following year, but President Biden reversed it in 2023 in an attempt to restore American influence and counter growing Chinese engagement within UN bodies.
Tensions between the United States and UNESCO date back even further. The US halted funding in 2011 under President Obama after the agency admitted Palestine as a full member, a decision that led to more than 600 million dollars in unpaid dues. The US also exited UNESCO in 1984 under President Reagan, citing mismanagement and ideological bias, before rejoining two decades later under President George W. Bush.
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The latest withdrawal comes amid worsening relations between the Trump administration and several UN institutions, particularly over the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The administration has condemned what it sees as UN silence or hostility towards Israel following the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023. Earlier this year, the Biden administration suspended funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), after Israel accused some staff members of participating in the attack.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret at the US decision, saying the agency had taken steps to depoliticise its work and promote consensus between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. She also defended its focus on Holocaust education and efforts to combat antisemitism, noting that the organisation remained committed to international cooperation in education, science and culture.
Though the US will lose voting rights and influence under the withdrawal, officials have said Washington may retain observer status in select programmes, such as World Heritage site preservation, press freedom initiatives and global education work.
The decision has drawn a mixed response internationally. Israel has welcomed the move as a principled stand against bias, while critics argue it risks further isolating the US on the global stage and leaves more room for countries like China to expand their influence in international institutions.
