United States Withdraws from UNESCO for the Third Time as Trump Reshapes International Engagement

22 July 2025

On July 22, 2025, the Biden-administration reversal was undone as the United States once again withdrew from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, commonly known as UNESCO. This decision, announced by the State Department and confirmed by multiple diplomatic sources, marks the second UNESCO exit under President Donald Trump’s leadership, set to take effect on December 31, 2026.

UNESCO, founded in 1945 to foster peace through education, science, and culture, has counted the U.S. as a founding member. America had previously exited the agency in 1984 under President Reagan over allegations of mismanagement and anti‑Western bias, only to rejoin in 2003 during George W. Bush’s administration. Trump first withdrew in 2017, rejoined under President Biden in 2023 (alongside restoring ties with WHO and the Paris Agreement), and is now exiting again, continuing his pattern of disengagement from global institutions.

The State Department’s message was clear and direct: UNESCO promotes “woke, divisive cultural and social causes” misaligned with an America First philosophy. Officials specifically cited UNESCO’s support for Palestinian inclusion and broader global development goals as reasons for deeming the agency out of step with U.S. priorities.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly characterized the move as a restoration of American common-sense policy, emphasizing that UNESCO’s agenda conflicted with the values most Americans supported following the 2024 election. The agency’s involvement in DEI programs, anti-racism toolkits, and other initiatives were described as pushing a “globalist ideological agenda” incompatible with national interests.

Despite the withdrawal, UNESCO expressed readiness and apparent resilience. Director-General Audrey Azoulay accepted the loss as expected, pointing to reforms and diversified funding. With U.S. contributions down to approximately 8 percent of its budget, the organization says it can continue its mission without drastic financial disruption. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to UNESCO, stressing that the U.S. departure will not weaken global cultural cooperation.

The consequences of this move reach beyond diplomacy. UNESCO’s work includes safeguarding cultural heritage sites such as the Grand Canyon, ancient ruins, and Holocaust education programs. The U.S. withdrawal may reshape partnerships with American universities, museums, and nonprofits that collaborate under UNESCO’s umbrella.

Strategically, this decision forms part of the Trump administration’s broader realignment of foreign policy. In recent months, similar actions have included pulling out of WHO and halting funding to UNRWA. These moves signal a sweeping review of U.S. participation in international bodies a process expected to extend into August.

Proponents of the withdrawal argue that it reinforces American sovereignty and challenges ideological conformity under globalist frameworks. Critics counter that abandoning UNESCO undermines centuries of educational and cultural collaboration, risks isolating the U.S. from global discourse, and concedes diplomatic influence to countries like China, which has filled funding gaps left by the withdrawal.

As the 2026 deadline approaches, policymakers and stakeholders in education, heritage preservation, and cultural exchange will watch closely. The U.S. retreat from UNESCO may redefine international cooperation and raise pressing questions: can America sustain cultural leadership while stepping away from foundational global institutions?