Trump Withdraws U.S. from UNESCO, Citing Anti-Israel Bias and Pro-China Influence
The U.S. President accuses UN cultural agency of promoting divisive, anti-American values and aligning with Beijing’s global agenda
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM - U.S. President Donald Trump has officially decided to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing a series of ideological and geopolitical concerns.
The decision was confirmed by White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly in a statement to the New York Post.
"President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO — which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November," Kelly stated.
The move marks a renewed phase in the Trump administration’s approach to international institutions, emphasizing what it describes as a prioritization of American interests over multilateral commitments.
Accusations of Anti-Israel and Pro-China Bias
Anna Kelly sharply criticized UNESCO for using its Executive Board to promote what she called "anti-Israel and anti-Jewish actions."
She specifically cited UNESCO's designation of Jewish holy sites as 'Palestinian World Heritage Sites', a move that has drawn criticism from Israeli and American conservative circles for years.
In addition, Kelly pointed to what she called UNESCO’s growing alignment with Chinese interests, noting that its Deputy Director-General, Xing Qu, is a Chinese national.
“China has leveraged its influence over UNESCO to advance global standards that are favorable to Beijing’s interests,” she said.
These allegations are part of a broader critique that international organizations are being manipulated by authoritarian regimes and are no longer aligned with Western democratic values.
Executive Order Targets Multiple UN Bodies
Trump’s decision comes alongside a wider executive order, signed on February 4, which also directed the United States to:
Withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Withdraw from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
Review cooperation with UNESCO within 90 days, with a focus on determining whether continued U.S. membership serves national interests.
Trump has consistently criticized the United Nations, stating that while the organization "has tremendous potential," it has failed to fulfill its promise due to inefficiency, politicization, and perceived bias.
A Tumultuous U.S.–UNESCO Relationship
This marks the third time the United States has withdrawn from UNESCO:
1984: President Ronald Reagan exited over what his administration called “pro-Soviet bias,” mismanagement, and politicization.
2003: The U.S. rejoined under President George W. Bush.
2018: Trump’s first term saw another withdrawal, citing anti-Israel bias and a need for reform.
2023: The Biden administration rejoined, restoring American participation and financial contributions.
Trump’s latest decision signals a potential unraveling of that re-engagement, raising concerns about the future of U.S. participation in global cultural and scientific cooperation.
Reactions and Implications
While supporters of the move applaud it as a defense of American sovereignty and values, critics warn that repeated withdrawals undermine U.S. influence in shaping international norms and isolate Washington from key diplomatic and educational initiatives.
The international community has yet to issue formal responses to the decision. However, analysts say the action could strain ties with both allies and institutions that view UNESCO as a cornerstone of global cultural preservation and dialogue.
As of now, UNESCO has not issued a public statement addressing the U.S. withdrawal. (PW)
Source: TASS