President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from Unesco, repeating a move from his first term. The decision will take effect on December 31, 2026.
The White House said Unesco supports “woke, divisive” cultural and social causes that clash with the values Americans voted for. The State Department added that the agency promotes a “globalist, ideological agenda” inconsistent with Trump’s America First foreign policy.
Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret, noting the agency had anticipated the move and reduced reliance on U.S. funding, now only 8% of its budget. She defended Unesco’s role in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.
The U.S. previously left Unesco in 1984 and again in 2017 under Trump, largely over its recognition of Palestine. The Biden administration had rejoined and resumed payments. Israel welcomed the latest withdrawal.
Unesco officials said U.S.-funded programs may be affected but stressed the agency remains committed to multilateral cooperation. Diplomats see the decision as politically driven, reflecting Trump’s broader retreat from international institutions.
