The United States will withdraw from UNESCO for the second time under former President Donald Trump, the White House announced Tuesday, reigniting debates about America's role in global institutions. The exit, effective December 31, 2024, follows Trump's criticism of the UN agency as promoting "woke" and "divisive" agendas at odds with U.S. interests.
Policy Alignment & Criticisms
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated UNESCO's cultural and social initiatives conflict with "commonsense policies Americans voted for," echoing Trump's "America-first" doctrine. The State Department criticized the agency for advancing a "globalist, ideological agenda" and condemned its 2011 admission of Palestine as a member state, calling it "highly problematic" and a catalyst for anti-Israel rhetoric.
Broader Implications
This move aligns with Trump's longstanding skepticism of multilateral organizations like the UN and NATO. Analysts note it may impact UNESCO's funding and global cultural preservation efforts, while reinforcing debates about U.S. leadership in international cooperation. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after Trump's initial 2017 withdrawal.
