U.S. Exits UNESCO Again, Citing Bias and “Divisive” Agenda
The United States has officially withdrawn from UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural and educational body, claiming it no longer serves the country’s national interest.
The announcement came on Tuesday, with the U.S. State Department accusing UNESCO of being biased against Israel and promoting what it called “divisive social and cultural causes.”
UNESCO, known globally for maintaining the World Heritage Sites list, promotes cultural preservation, scientific collaboration, and educational development. Iconic sites like the Great Barrier Reef, Athens Acropolis, and Egyptian Pyramids are all protected under its watch.
But according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, the agency has become too focused on “globalist ideological goals” such as the UN’s sustainability agenda. She also criticized its 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state, saying it fueled anti-Israel rhetoric.
This move doesn’t come as a complete surprise. President Donald Trump first withdrew from UNESCO during his earlier term in 2017. His then successor, President Joe Biden, had rejoined the organization. Now under Trump’s second term, the U.S. is out again.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the U.S. has pulled out of UNESCO. President Ronald Reagan did the same in the 1980s, calling the agency corrupt and biased. The U.S. rejoined years later under President George W. Bush.
As global debates continue over cultural preservation, political influence, and national interests, the U.S. departure is sure to spark conversations worldwide.