US to Withdraw From UNESCO by December 2026

The United States has announced it will withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026, marking its third exit from the agency and the second under President Donald Trump. The Trump administration cites alleged anti-Israel bias, pro-China influence, and divisive social agendas, particularly since UNESCO admitted Palestine as a member in 2011, as reasons for departing. U.S. officials argue the move aligns with the America First policy and is in the national interest, while critics warn it could diminish U.S. influence in global education, culture, and science. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret but stated the organization is financially prepared, with the U.S. now providing only 8% of its budget. Israeli officials welcomed the move as supportive of their call for fair treatment in the UN system. The withdrawal is expected to affect international collaboration and U.S. involvement in shaping global education and heritage policies.