US withdraws from UNESCO again amid controversies about bias

The United States, under President Donald Trump, announced it would exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the second time during his presidency, a decision expected to impact the organization significantly. This withdrawal, which takes effect on December 31, 2026, comes after Trump criticized UNESCO for its perceived anti-Israel bias and alignment with globalist agendas. The U.S. had previously left UNESCO in 2017, citing similar concerns about the agency's management and alignment with U.S. national interests. After a five-year absence, the Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023, but this decision represents a continuation of Trump's pattern of disengagement from international organizations. The latest exit follows increased scrutiny of UNESCO’s stances and actions that the Trump administration viewed as detrimental to U.S. interests, particularly regarding its inclusion of Palestine as a member state and what they characterized as a progressive agenda that diverges from American values. This withdrawal represents a culmination of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and international institutions that Trump has criticized during his presidency, highlighting a continuing narrative of national sovereignty versus global cooperation, which resonates strongly with his base. In the context of historical U.S. interactions with UNESCO, this marks a significant back-and-forth that reflects broader geopolitical shifts and domestic political priorities. Historically, the U.S. had first withdrawn from UNESCO in 1984 under the Reagan administration, initially rejoining in 2003 under George W. Bush after claiming the organization had reformed its management practices. The frequent oscillation between joining and leaving UNESCO underscores the ongoing debate over the agency’s direction and the perceived need for its reform to better align with American values and policy objectives. As this decision unfolds, it will likely provoke discussions about the implications for international collaboration, educational funding, and cultural engagement, impacting global arts and heritage designations, including World Heritage Sites. Furthermore, reactions from various stakeholders have emerged, with proponents arguing that discontinuing U.S. membership may diminish the organization's effectiveness, while critics assert that the exit reinforces America’s commitment to prioritizing its national interests over international commitments.