In a decision that has reignited international debate, Trump exits UNESCO again, marking yet another bold withdrawal from a global institution under his leadership. Just two years after the Biden administration brought the United States back into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), former President Donald Trump has initiated another U.S. departure, citing political, cultural, and national interest concerns.
This move, while anticipated by some global observers, signals a continued shift toward the “America First” approach that defined Trump’s first presidency and now resurfaces prominently during his second term. As Trump exits UNESCO again, critics argue that this decision may create a vacuum in global cultural diplomacy, further eroding U.S. leadership on the world stage.
Background: A History of Uneasy Membership
The United States has had a complex relationship with UNESCO. Originally withdrawing in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan due to accusations of mismanagement and ideological bias, the U.S. later rejoined the organization in 2003 under President George W. Bush. However, when UNESCO admitted Palestine as a full member state in 2011, the Obama administration suspended funding due to U.S. law prohibiting support to organizations recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Fast forward to Trump’s first term in 2018 — Trump exits UNESCO again became a reality, citing similar frustrations, including perceived anti-Israel bias and inefficiencies within the organization. Although Joe Biden reversed the decision in 2023, rejoining UNESCO in hopes of countering China’s growing influence, the Trump administration has now reasserted its previous stance.
The Latest Withdrawal: Motivations and Timing
The State Department confirmed on Tuesday that Trump exits UNESCO again, stating the agency’s “divisive social and cultural agenda” as a primary reason. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce cited UNESCO’s inclusion of Palestine and continued criticism of Israel as problematic, adding that the organization “no longer aligns with U.S. interests.”
Though the decision was announced in 2025, it won’t take effect until December 2026. This delayed implementation provides a window for diplomatic maneuvering or further policy changes. However, the symbolic and strategic implications are immediate and profound. Trump exits UNESCO again underlines his broader campaign to reshape U.S. global engagement, reducing participation in multilateral institutions that he views as flawed or misaligned with American priorities.
Global Reactions and Implications
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed “deep regret” over the decision but acknowledged it had been anticipated. She strongly denied accusations of anti-Israel bias, emphasizing UNESCO’s efforts in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.
“UNESCO’s purpose is to welcome all nations of the world, and the United States is and always will be welcome,” she said, committing to continue working with American stakeholders outside the federal government. Despite the reduced resources, UNESCO maintains that it will not lay off staff or curtail its core missions.
As Trump exits UNESCO again, the international community is watching closely. France, where UNESCO is headquartered, issued a public statement reaffirming its support for the agency’s work in protecting cultural heritage, promoting education, and developing ethical standards in artificial intelligence.
A Blow to Cultural Diplomacy
When Trump exits UNESCO again, it raises significant questions about the future of U.S. cultural diplomacy. UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites program, which safeguards iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, and the Pyramids of Giza, relies on international collaboration. The U.S. withdrawal could limit its influence over decisions affecting these treasured global sites.
Additionally, UNESCO plays a critical role in setting international standards in science, education, and digital technology. The Biden administration had emphasized the importance of rejoining to counter China’s growing sway in areas like artificial intelligence ethics. As Trump exits UNESCO again, that leverage is once again ceded to geopolitical competitors.
Political Divisions at Home
Domestically, Trump exits UNESCO again has triggered sharp political divides. Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the move as “another assault by the Trump administration on international cooperation and U.S. global leadership.” He warned that withdrawing undermines American influence and leaves room for adversaries like China to shape global institutions.
On the other hand, some conservative lawmakers and U.S. allies like Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon hailed the decision. Danon called it “a fitting response to UNESCO’s misguided anti-Israel bias,” reflecting long-standing conservative grievances with the agency.
Funding and Future Uncertainty
Historically, the U.S. contributed a significant share of UNESCO’s budget. However, over the years — especially since 2011 — that contribution has dwindled, prompting the agency to diversify its funding sources. Today, the U.S. accounts for only about 8% of UNESCO’s total funding.
Still, as Trump exits UNESCO again, there are concerns about the financial ripple effects and whether other nations will follow suit. The loss of U.S. involvement may also impact joint projects, research collaborations, and educational initiatives supported by American universities, NGOs, and think tanks.
A Pattern of U.N. Withdrawals
Trump exits UNESCO again fits a broader pattern of U.N. disengagement seen throughout his time in office. His administration previously withdrew from the World Health Organization, the U.N. Human Rights Council, and several global climate agreements. These moves were packaged under the “America First” doctrine, aiming to reassess and realign U.S. priorities with national interests over international commitments.
Bruce hinted that this move may be one of several upcoming withdrawals as the administration continues its review of international organizational memberships. “Future participation will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction,” she stated.
UNESCO’s Continued Mission
Despite the setback, UNESCO pledges to carry on with its mission. Azoulay emphasized that the agency has already prepared for the loss of U.S. involvement and will continue to operate without staff layoffs or project cancellations at this stage.
Trump exits UNESCO again, but UNESCO remains committed to its goals: preventing conflict through education and culture, supporting responsible technology development, and protecting global heritage. With France, Germany, and other leading nations doubling down on their support, UNESCO appears poised to weather this latest challenge.
Conclusion: A Strategic Gamble?
As Trump exits UNESCO again, opinions are split on whether this move is a strategic assertion of national sovereignty or a diplomatic misstep. Supporters argue that the U.S. should not back organizations that contradict its values or policies, particularly regarding Israel. Critics, meanwhile, see the withdrawal as another step away from the multilateralism that underpins modern diplomacy.
Whether the decision enhances or diminishes U.S. influence in the long term remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Trump exits UNESCO again not as an isolated act, but as a reaffirmation of a worldview that favors bilateralism over multilateralism, nationalism over globalism, and disruption over diplomacy.