United States Withdraws from UNESCO Citing Anti-Israel Bias

President Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from UNESCO, criticizing the organization for promoting "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" and harboring anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian biases. The administration expressed concern over UNESCO's admission of the "State of Palestine" as a member, which it sees as contrary to U.S. policy and contributing to anti-Israel rhetoric. The decision follows a 90-day review Trump ordered earlier in the year, which scrutinized UNESCO's alignment with American interests, including its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals. This marks the third time the U.S. has exited UNESCO, with previous withdrawals under Presidents Reagan and Trump himself during his first term, before rejoining under President Biden in 2023. White House officials emphasized that remaining in UNESCO conflicts with the "America First" foreign policy and the values Americans supported in the 2024 election. The U.S. will continue as a member until December 31, 2026, when the withdrawal officially takes effect.