US to Withdraw from Unesco Again Amidst Claims of Divisive Agenda
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Trump administration announced the US will withdraw from Unesco, effective December 2026, citing the agency's support for "woke, divisive cultural and social causes."
- Unesco's Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the organization's efforts in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.
- The US withdrawal marks the third time it has left Unesco, with previous exits occurring under Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump in 2017.
- The US contributes approximately 8% of Unesco's budget, and the agency has been preparing for this financial impact by diversifying its funding sources.
- The decision is part of a broader strategy by Trump to disengage from international bodies, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council.
The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) by December 2026, marking the third such departure in history. The Trump administration cited the agency's support for "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" as the primary reason for the exit, aligning the move with its "America First" foreign policy.
Historical Context and Previous Withdrawals
Unesco, established in 1945 to foster global cooperation in education, science, and culture, has faced US withdrawal twice before. The first occurred in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, who criticized the organization for an alleged anti-Western bias. The second withdrawal happened in 2017 during Trump's first term, citing similar concerns of anti-Israel bias and financial arrears. The US rejoined Unesco in 2023 under President Joe Biden, who aimed to counter growing Chinese influence within the organization.
Financial and Cultural Implications
The US currently provides about 8% of Unesco's budget, and its departure could impact the agency's programs, including those focused on education, culture, and combating hate speech. Unesco's Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, highlighting the organization's significant work in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism. She noted that Unesco has been preparing for potential financial repercussions by diversifying its funding sources.
Broader Foreign Policy Strategy
This withdrawal is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reduce US involvement in international organizations. Previous actions include leaving the World Health Organization, halting funding to the Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, and withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council. The administration has criticized Unesco's focus on sustainable development goals, labeling them as part of a "globalist, ideological agenda."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The US withdrawal from Unesco could have significant implications for international cultural and educational cooperation. Experts suggest that this move may weaken the US's influence in global cultural diplomacy and open the door for other nations, such as China, to fill the void. Additionally, the decision may strain relationships with allies who value multilateral engagement. As the 2026 deadline approaches, the Biden administration or future US leadership may reconsider this decision, especially if diplomatic priorities shift.
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US to Withdraw from Unesco Again Amidst Claims of Divisive Agenda
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The Trump administration announced the US will withdraw from Unesco, effective December 2026, citing the agency's support for "woke, divisive cultural and social causes."
- Unesco's Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the organization's efforts in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.
- The US withdrawal marks the third time it has left Unesco, with previous exits occurring under Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump in 2017.
- The US contributes approximately 8% of Unesco's budget, and the agency has been preparing for this financial impact by diversifying its funding sources.
- The decision is part of a broader strategy by Trump to disengage from international bodies, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council.
The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) by December 2026, marking the third such departure in history. The Trump administration cited the agency's support for "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" as the primary reason for the exit, aligning the move with its "America First" foreign policy.
Historical Context and Previous Withdrawals
Unesco, established in 1945 to foster global cooperation in education, science, and culture, has faced US withdrawal twice before. The first occurred in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, who criticized the organization for an alleged anti-Western bias. The second withdrawal happened in 2017 during Trump's first term, citing similar concerns of anti-Israel bias and financial arrears. The US rejoined Unesco in 2023 under President Joe Biden, who aimed to counter growing Chinese influence within the organization.
Financial and Cultural Implications
The US currently provides about 8% of Unesco's budget, and its departure could impact the agency's programs, including those focused on education, culture, and combating hate speech. Unesco's Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed regret over the decision, highlighting the organization's significant work in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism. She noted that Unesco has been preparing for potential financial repercussions by diversifying its funding sources.
Broader Foreign Policy Strategy
This withdrawal is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reduce US involvement in international organizations. Previous actions include leaving the World Health Organization, halting funding to the Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, and withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council. The administration has criticized Unesco's focus on sustainable development goals, labeling them as part of a "globalist, ideological agenda."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The US withdrawal from Unesco could have significant implications for international cultural and educational cooperation. Experts suggest that this move may weaken the US's influence in global cultural diplomacy and open the door for other nations, such as China, to fill the void. Additionally, the decision may strain relationships with allies who value multilateral engagement. As the 2026 deadline approaches, the Biden administration or future US leadership may reconsider this decision, especially if diplomatic priorities shift.
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