The United States said on Tuesday that it will again be leaving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) over the agency's perceived bias against Israel and its promotion of a "divisive" agenda. This step, taken under then-President Donald Trump in his first term in 2017, had been reversed by President Joe Biden. But Trump has now reinstated the withdrawal order, with the pullout to take place in December 2026.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that continuing to be part of UNESCO no longer advances the national interest of the United States. She faulted the organization for putting international sustainability priorities ahead and advancing what she termed a "globalist, ideological agenda.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay was dismayed by the move, but indicated it had been expected and that the agency has been preparing for the financial consequences. "I am deeply regretful President Donald Trump decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO once again," she stated. Azoulay indicated that important structural reforms and diversification of sources of funding such as private and voluntary governmental contributions have been undertaken in recent years.
Now, the US provides approximately eight percent of UNESCO's budget, compared to almost 20 percent ten years ago. Azoulay explained that there were no planned layoffs of staff as a result of the action.
The move was also spurred by UNESCO's recognition of Palestine as a member state in 2011, which Bruce called "highly problematic" and contrary to US policy. She also faulted the agency for its designation of Palestinian heritage sites in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In return, Azoulay countered that the US worries were similar to those expressed in 2017, as much as "political tensions have receded" and UNESCO is now a precious forum for multilateral action and consensus. She further emphasized UNESCO's efforts in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism, denouncing American accusations as groundless.
Israeli authorities received the US move with open arms. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described it as a move toward justice, and UN Ambassador Danny Danon referred to UNESCO as "an organization that has lost its way." French President Emmanuel Macron, on the contrary, reiterated his unshakeable support for UNESCO.
While the US will officially exit the agency, it will maintain membership on the World Heritage Committee, as it did after leaving in 2017. Azoulay kept the door open for eventual re-entry, stating, "The United States of America is and always will be welcome."
