The administration of President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, citing allegations of anti-Israel bias and perceived Chinese influence within the organization. This move follows a State Department review that found UNESCO advancing divisive social and cultural causes, with China leveraging its power to promote interests favorable to Beijing. This marks the third time the US has exited UNESCO, following previous withdrawals by Reagan and a rejoining under Biden in 2023.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the development regrettable, if anticipated, and stressed the organization’s role in Holocaust education and the fight against anti-Semitism. Beijing urged Washington to avoid confrontation and division at UNESCO when US membership was last restored. Israeli officials have previously accused UNESCO of anti-Semitism, particularly over its recognition of Palestinian cultural heritage sites in occupied territories. Israel left the agency alongside the US in 2019.
The New York Post was the first to report the imminent announcement, followed by other media outlets. The newspaper cited UNESCO programs addressing gender and racial discrimination that the Trump administration’s review found objectionable. The administration also believes China has leveraged its influence over UNESCO to advance global standards that are favorable to Beijing’s interests, as stated by White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly.
Last month, Trump authorized US military strikes on Iran in support of an Israeli campaign targeting Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure — an action that drew international criticism and was labeled by some governments as unlawful aggression.