WASHINGTON D.C. The Donald Trump U.S. administration officially announced its re-withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the 22nd (local time). This decision comes just two years after rejoining in June 2023, during former President Joe Biden's term, and is set to take effect at the end of December 2026. The Trump administration cited UNESCO's "anti-Israel" bias and its promotion of "divisive social and cultural agendas" as the primary reasons for this withdrawal.
Repeated UNESCO Withdrawals, 'Anti-Israel Bias' at the Core
The United States has long maintained a complex relationship with UNESCO. This latest withdrawal marks the third time, following the Ronald Reagan administration's withdrawal in 1983 and the first Trump administration's withdrawal in 2017. The Reagan administration withdrew citing UNESCO's pro-Soviet leanings and profligate management, rejoining in 2002 during the George W. Bush administration.
During his first term in 2017, President Trump also declared a withdrawal from UNESCO, citing its "anti-Israel bias," which took effect the following year. At the time, UNESCO's recognition of Palestine as a full member state and the adoption of a resolution that did not recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Old City of Jerusalem were decisive factors. When the Biden administration rejoined in 2023, the relationship between the U.S. and UNESCO seemed to normalize, but the situation rapidly changed with the Trump administration's return to power.
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, stated in a release that "UNESCO has been promoting divisive social and cultural agendas, which are inconsistent with U.S. policy directions." She particularly emphasized that "UNESCO's decision to admit the so-called 'State of Palestine' as a full member state is highly problematic and has been a factor in propagating anti-Israel discourse within UN bodies," openly expressing dissatisfaction regarding the Palestinian issue.
Criticism of 'Woke' Culture and Chinese Influence
Anna Kelly, Deputy Press Secretary for the White House, told the New York Post that UNESCO's support for "woke" (progressive cultural agendas) and divisive cultural and social agendas is "completely inconsistent with the common-sense policies the American people chose last November (in the presidential election)." This is interpreted as a strong rejection of UNESCO's promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. In particular, there was significant dissatisfaction with UNESCO's 2023 "Guidelines on Combating Racism" and its tendency to portray Israel as an "occupying" entity and criticize Israel more than Hamas in documents related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Furthermore, the Trump administration also expressed dissatisfaction that China, the second-largest financial contributor to UNESCO, wields excessive influence. This aligns with the Trump administration's overall stance of curbing China's growing influence within international organizations.
UNESCO's Stance and Future Outlook
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated regarding the U.S. withdrawal, "While regrettable, it was expected, and UNESCO has been preparing for it." UNESCO has shown its resolve to proceed with its major initiatives without disruption despite the U.S. withdrawal.
This re-withdrawal of the U.S. from UNESCO is seen as another clear example of the Trump administration's "America First" foreign policy stance. Immediately after regaining power, President Trump hinted at a withdrawal by ordering a review of U.S. membership in UNESCO as early as last February. Going forward, the Trump administration is expected to more strictly evaluate whether participation in international organizations aligns with national interests and to exercise its influence on the international stage by withdrawing or limiting participation whenever it deems them inconsistent with its values and policy directions. This could also affect relationships with other international organizations in the future, leading the international community to closely monitor the Trump administration's actions.
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