President Donald Trump has once again ordered the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the State Department confirmed on Tuesday.
The decision marks a renewed stance by the Trump administration to scale back participation in international bodies that it deems misaligned with core American values and national interests.
In a statement released on social platform X, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce explained the rationale behind the withdrawal. “Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission,” Bruce stated.
“Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” she added, echoing the administration’s emphasis on prioritizing strategic national benefits.
This move comes on the heels of an executive order President Trump signed in February, directing a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement in global institutions. That directive also included the decision to exit the United Nations Human Rights Council and end support for UNRWA, the U.N. agency serving Palestinian refugees.
“I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now. It really hasn’t for a long time,” Trump remarked earlier this year when announcing the broader international withdrawal initiative.
The United States, alongside Israel, had previously withdrawn from UNESCO in 2019 during Trump’s first term. At the time, Israel accused the organization of attempting to “erase” Jewish history from within Israel’s borders. However, the Biden administration reversed that decision in 2023, rejoining UNESCO to re-engage with the international cultural community.
On Tuesday, the White House reiterated its criticism of the agency, portraying it as an advocate for controversial cultural movements.
“NEW: President Trump has decided to withdraw from UNESCO — which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes. The President will always put America First,” wrote White House spokesperson Anna Kelly on X.
“Our membership in all international organizations must align with our national interests,” Kelly emphasized.
UNESCO, established to foster global collaboration through culture, science, and education, has increasingly become a flashpoint in U.S. foreign policy debates. Critics within the administration argue that the agency’s activities have shifted toward promoting ideological agendas that do not align with American values.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s renewed focus on reshaping U.S. engagement with international organizations underscores his broader “America First” doctrine, a recurring theme throughout both of his presidential campaigns.
