The United States has formally notified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of its intention to withdraw from the agency by December 31, 2026, citing concerns over its cultural direction and the continued membership of Palestine.
In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that a formal letter had been delivered to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, asserting that the agency’s activities were no longer aligned with U.S. national interests.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” the statement read, criticizing what it described as the organization’s “outsized focus” on globalist objectives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its promotion of “divisive social and cultural causes.”
The move marks yet another chapter in the turbulent U.S.-UNESCO relationship and revives a Trump-era withdrawal decision that had been reversed under President Joe Biden. With former President Donald Trump back in office, the decision reflects a shift back to a more isolationist, “America First” foreign policy.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce accused UNESCO of advancing “anti-Israel rhetoric” since its 2011 decision to admit the State of Palestine as a full member — a move that triggered an immediate U.S. funding freeze under a federal law prohibiting support for any UN body that recognizes Palestinian statehood.
“UNESCO continues to politicize culture and education, pushing narratives that are completely disconnected from the values and priorities of the American people,” Bruce stated.
UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed “deep regret” over the decision, calling it “expected but disappointing.” She defended the agency’s record, citing its global work in Holocaust education, media literacy, and cultural preservation.
“UNESCO today constitutes a rare forum for consensus and constructive multilateralism,” she said, adding that “our mission to foster peace through education and culture continues — with or without one of our founding members.”
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced unwavering support for the Paris-based agency, calling UNESCO “a universal protector of our shared human heritage.” He said France would not let the departure of the U.S. weaken the institution.
In contrast, Israel welcomed the announcement. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the U.S. for “taking a stand against the politicisation of professional UN bodies,” while Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said UNESCO had maintained a “consistent and misguided anti-Israel bias.”
The withdrawal has sparked debate back home. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the exit could further cede influence to China, which became UNESCO’s top donor after the last U.S. withdrawal in 2017.
“Walking away from multilateral institutions is short-sighted,” Shaheen said. “We risk handing over global leadership to competitors who do not share our democratic values.”
This marks the third time the U.S. has disengaged from UNESCO. The Reagan administration withdrew in 1984, citing “anti-Western bias and mismanagement.” The U.S. rejoined in 2003 under George W. Bush, who applauded the agency’s reforms. The Trump administration again pulled out in 2017, accusing UNESCO of politicization and bias, only for President Biden to re-enter in 2023 amid calls for renewed multilateral engagement.
At present, the United States contributes approximately 8% of UNESCO’s annual budget, a significant drop from its historical 22% prior to the 2011 funding freeze.
Founded in 1945, UNESCO promotes international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. It is perhaps best known for designating and safeguarding World Heritage sites, of which there are now more than 1,200 across the globe.
While U.S. officials maintain that their exit will not disrupt international cultural cooperation, critics argue that the move represents another retreat from global leadership.
Azoulay remains optimistic:
“UNESCO has evolved. The world has evolved. We will continue our mission to build peace through dialogue and shared cultural understanding — whether or not the United States is at the table.”