Trump Administration's Decision to Withdraw from UNESCO Sparks Mixed Reactions

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a move endorsed by Congressman Randy Fine. Fine, highlighting the organization's history of what he describes as anti-Israel propaganda, pointed out that UNESCO has recognized Palestinian statehood and dismissed the Jewish connection to significant religious sites. Furthermore, he criticized the organization for allowing China to enhance its international presence and for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas that he believes are inappropriate for U.S. foreign policy.

In 2022, China became the largest financial contributor to UNESCO, reflecting a strong partnership the organization claims is beneficial for global peace. According to Fine, embracing an "America First" approach means the U.S. should not support global institutions that compromise American values or threaten its allies' security. UNESCO was created to advance education, science, and culture as a means to foster peace globally.

The decision to withdraw follows a review that revealed UNESCO's bias towards pro-China and pro-Palestinian stances and its engagement in diversity initiatives. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked that UNESCO promotes divisive social and cultural agendas, focusing excessively on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which conflict with U.S. policies. Bruce expressed concern over UNESCO's admission of Palestine as a member, calling it detrimental to U.S. interests and fueling anti-Israel sentiments.

UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, noted that the U.S. exit contradicts multilateral collaboration principles, which may impact numerous American partners. However, she indicated that UNESCO had anticipated the withdrawal. Officially, the U.S. will exit the organization by the end of 2026. This withdrawal isn't unprecedented; the U.S. left UNESCO in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan due to corruption concerns and rejoined in 2003. The organization was again left during Trump’s presidency but rejoined under President Biden.

Amid this recurring cycle of withdrawal, Eugene Kontorovich from the Heritage Foundation advocates for a formal repeal of the congressional authorization for U.S. membership in UNESCO to prevent future fluctuations in membership due to changes in administration.