The United States announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO for the third time on Tuesday, citing disagreements over the agency's approach to Israel-Palestine issues. The exit, effective December 2026, follows a pattern of U.S. disengagement from international bodies during Donald Trump's presidency.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated the withdrawal aligns with U.S. interests, criticizing UNESCO's admission of Palestine as a member state and alleging anti-Israel bias. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret but noted the agency had anticipated the move.
This marks the second UNESCO exit under Trump, who previously withdrew the U.S. in 2017. President Joe Biden reversed the decision in 2021, but Trump's return to office has reignited skepticism of multilateral institutions. Recent months have seen similar exits from the Paris Climate Accord and UN Human Rights Council.
Analysts suggest the move reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with implications for global cultural preservation efforts and U.S. diplomatic influence. UNESCO, responsible for designating World Heritage Sites and promoting education initiatives, faces renewed funding challenges as its largest historical contributor departs.
