The United States is once again withdrawing from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), citing ideological disagreements and accusing the agency of promoting a &ldquo;globalist agenda.&rdquo;
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced the move on Tuesday, stating that UNESCO&rsquo;s focus on divisive social issues and sustainable development &ldquo;runs counter to the America First foreign policy.&rdquo; The withdrawal will officially take effect by the end of next year.
This marks the second time the US is leaving the Paris-based agency under Donald Trump&rsquo;s leadership. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023, contributing $28 million&mdash;roughly 22% of its budget.
Bruce highlighted UNESCO&rsquo;s recognition of Palestine as a member state and its perceived anti-Israel stance as key reasons behind the decision. &ldquo;Continued involvement is not in the national interest,&rdquo; she said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret, underscoring the historic role the US has played in UNESCO. Director-General Audrey Azoulay also voiced disappointment, warning that the exit could impact partnerships with US communities vying for World Heritage status and cultural recognition.
Azoulay reassured that UNESCO&rsquo;s financial position is more stable today, with the US contribution now forming only 8% of its budget due to increased global support.
The move aligns with Trump&rsquo;s broader push to scale back US involvement in multilateral institutions, similar to his earlier withdrawal from the World Health Organisation.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

Citing ideological bias and anti-Israel stance, US withdraws from UNESCO for a second time

US Exits UNESCO Again Over ‘Globalist Agenda’

Citing ideological bias and anti-Israel stance, US withdraws from UNESCO for a second time

July 23, 2025 | 09:18 IST