Trump administration cuts ties with U.N. cultural agency for a second time, accusing it of promoting “woke ideology” and undermining U.S. values
The United States has officially announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing what the Trump administration called an entrenched “globalist agenda,” anti-Israel bias, and ideological overreach. This marks the second time under President Donald J. Trump that the U.S. has severed ties with the U.N. agency.
In a statement released Monday, the State Department accused UNESCO of promoting politically charged causes, including what it described as “woke cultural narratives that conflict with American values.” The administration also pointed to longstanding concerns about the agency’s stance on Israel, calling its resolutions and recognitions “one-sided and discriminatory.”
“This decision is about defending our sovereignty and standing with our allies,” the statement read. “UNESCO has strayed far from its founding mission of fostering education and culture and instead has embraced a globalist, ideological agenda.”
Echoes of Past Policy
The move is consistent with Trump’s broader approach to international organizations, many of which he has criticized for inefficiency, bias, or erosion of national sovereignty. The United States previously withdrew from UNESCO in 2018, during Trump’s first term, but rejoined in 2023 under the Biden administration.
By exiting again in 2025, the Trump administration signals a return to “America First” foreign policy principles, emphasizing bilateral over multilateral engagement.
International and Domestic Reactions
The decision was met with strong praise from Israeli officials. A spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the move “a necessary and principled step”, echoing similar sentiments expressed in 2018 when the U.S. and Israel first withdrew from the agency.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret, urging the U.S. to reconsider. “UNESCO remains committed to dialogue and the universal values of education, science, and culture,” she said in a brief statement.
Domestically, the withdrawal drew mixed reactions. Supporters of the move including conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups welcomed the action as a stand against politicized international bodies. Critics, however, argued that pulling out weakens American influence on the global stage, particularly in educational and cultural diplomacy.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley commented on X (formerly Twitter): “UNESCO stopped being about heritage and education a long time ago. It’s become a platform for pushing agendas. President Trump is right to walk away.”
What’s Next?
The withdrawal will take effect in late 2025, pending formal notification to the United Nations. It remains unclear how this decision will impact ongoing U.S.-funded UNESCO programs, including heritage conservation, literacy initiatives, and Holocaust education.
As the geopolitical implications unfold, experts warn that America’s absence may leave a leadership void in cultural and educational diplomacy, which could be filled by rival powers such as China or Russia.
