Trump administration pulls plug on UNESCO again, cites anti-Israel bias

The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization once again, a move set to take effect on Dec. 31, 2026.

This marks the third time Washington has departed the Paris-based cultural body, citing perennial concerns over what it views as anti-Israel bias and a focus on "divisive social and cultural causes."

The decision, made public on Tuesday, follows a 90-day review initiated by the Trump administration to scrutinize the U.S. presence in UNESCO for "anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment."

A State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, stated that continued U.S. involvement in UNESCO was "not in the national interest." Bruce specifically highlighted the organization's 2011 decision to grant membership to the "State of Palestine," describing it as "highly problematic" and a contributor to "anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization."

White House officials also raised objections to UNESCO's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside perceived pro-Palestinian and pro-Chinese leanings.

UNESCO's response and financial resilience

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed "deep regret" at U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw, framing it as a contradiction of "the fundamental principles of multilateralism."

The U.S. will remain a full member of UNESCO until its withdrawal officially takes effect at the close of next year.

Azoulay cautioned that the withdrawal could "affect first and foremost our many partners in the United States of America — communities seeking site inscription on the World Heritage List, Creative City status, and University Chairs."

Despite her disappointment, Azoulay acknowledged that the announcement was "anticipated, and UNESCO has prepared for it." She pointed to significant structural reforms and a diversification of funding sources undertaken in recent years.

"Thanks to the efforts made by the organization since 2018, the decreasing trend in the financial contribution of the U.S. has been offset, so that it now represents 8% of the organization's total budget compared to 40% for some United Nations entities; while at the same time, UNESCO’s overall budget has steadily increased," Azoulay said.

She added that voluntary contributions have doubled since 2018, positioning the organization as "better protected in financial terms, with the steady support of a large number of member states and private contributors." UNESCO does not anticipate any layoffs as a direct result of the U.S. withdrawal.

A pattern of disengagement and disputed claims

This latest departure mirrors previous U.S. exits. The Reagan administration pulled out in 1984, citing concerns about mismanagement and politicization, while the previous Trump administration followed suit in 2017 over similar allegations of anti-Israel bias. The U.S. had only rejoined UNESCO in 2023 under the Biden administration, ending a five-year hiatus.

Azoulay challenged the justifications for the U.S. withdrawal, arguing they are "the same as seven years ago even though the situation has changed profoundly, political tensions have receded, and UNESCO today constitutes a rare forum for consensus on concrete and action-oriented multilateralism." She also directly refuted claims of anti-Semitism, asserting they "contradict the reality of UNESCO's efforts, particularly in the field of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism."

Azoulay underscored UNESCO's unique role as the sole United Nations agency dedicated to these issues, noting its work has been "unanimously acclaimed by major specialized organizations such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., the World Jewish Congress and its American Section, and the American Jewish Committee." She highlighted UNESCO's support to 85 countries in developing tools and training teachers to educate students about the Holocaust and genocides, and to combat Holocaust denial and hate speech.

Enduring mission and open invitation

Despite the inevitable reduction in resources, Azoulay affirmed UNESCO's commitment to its core missions. These include the extensive reconstruction of the old city of Mosul, the adoption of the first global standard-setting instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence, and significant programs supporting culture and education in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Lebanon, and Yemen. The organization has also intensified its efforts in biodiversity, natural heritage, and girls' education.

"UNESCO's purpose is to welcome all the nations of the world, and the United States of America is and will always be welcome," Azoulay concluded. She emphasized UNESCO's intention to continue collaborating "hand in hand with all of our American partners in the private sector, academia and non-profit organizations, and will pursue political dialogue with the US administration and Congress."