Washington: In a move that rekindles past tensions between Washington and the United Nations' cultural arm, the United States has decided to withdraw from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) once again, diplomats revealed on Monday. The decision, attributed to the administration of President Donald Trump, marks another turn in the nation’s broader retreat from multilateral commitments it deems contrary to its national interests.
The impending exit follows a 90-day internal review of U.S. involvement in UN agencies. Officials within the Trump administration have cited long-standing grievances, particularly claims of anti-Israel bias within UNESCO and discontent over its adoption of progressive policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to U.S. diplomats, the White House has also voiced concern about what it perceives as increasing influence from China in the agency’s agenda and operations.
The United States has had a turbulent history with UNESCO. The country first exited the agency in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, criticizing what it saw as mismanagement and ideological leanings that ran counter to Western values. It later rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush following a series of internal reforms. However, in 2011, under President Barack Obama, the U.S. ceased funding UNESCO after it admitted Palestine as a full member. Full withdrawal followed in 2018 under President Trump, only to be reversed in 2023 by President Joe Biden as part of a wider effort to restore American participation in global institutions.
President Trump’s latest decision to exit the organization again is seen by analysts as emblematic of his foreign policy approach, which favors unilateralism and the assertion of American sovereignty over international consensus. A White House spokesperson stated that UNESCO no longer aligns with U.S. values or strategic interests, adding that resources could be better directed toward bilateral cultural partnerships and domestic priorities.
UNESCO officials, while expressing regret, indicated that they were not entirely surprised by the move. “The U.S. has been a critical contributor not just financially but in terms of thought leadership,” one official in Paris noted. “While we have diversified our funding sources, the symbolic and practical void left by their departure will be significant.”
Despite a reduced funding share down from 22% in the early 2000s to around 8% today U.S. contributions have still played a vital role in supporting key UNESCO initiatives, including world heritage site preservation, global literacy programs, and cultural diplomacy.
The final withdrawal is expected to take effect by December 2026, pending procedural formalities. In the meantime, the announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the international community. Critics warn that America’s absence could weaken UNESCO’s ability to function effectively and give greater space to rival powers to influence global cultural norms. Supporters of the move argue it is a necessary stance against what they call ideological drift and inefficiency within the institution.
With this decision, the U.S. once again positions itself at odds with the multilateral framework that UNESCO embodies raising questions about the future of international cooperation in education, culture, and science in an increasingly polarized world.