Is America breaking up with UNESCO… for the third time? It sure looks that way.
The Trump administration just announced it will pull the US out of the United Nations’ cultural and education agency by December 2026.
Why?According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, UNESCO is pushing “divisive” global agendas.
It doesn’t align with Trump’s “America First” policy.
What Is UNESCO’s Role?
UNESCO is famous for protecting world heritage sites like the Grand Canyon and promoting education and cultural dialogue.
It now finds itself back in Washington’s crosshairs.
And this isn’t new. Trump first pulled out in 2017, citing anti-Israel bias and lack of reforms.
Biden rejoined in 2023, partly to counter China’s growing influence.
But now, it’s déjà vu. “President Trump has decided to withdraw…” said White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly. “[UNESCO] supports woke, divisive causes.”
Unesco chief Audrey Azoulay isn’t buying it.
“These claims contradict the reality,” she said, highlighting efforts in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.
While the US contributes 8% of UNESCO’s budget, the agency says it’s prepared—and isn’t planning job cuts.
So, is this the end of US-UNESCO relations? Or just another pause in their on-again, off-again relationship?
Either way, history shows: they’ll probably meet again.
