U.S. again withdraws from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias and "woke" causes

President Trump has decided to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO again, a move following similar exits from the WHO and Human Rights Council. This further reduces the United States' influence in international organizations, potentially allowing China to increase its own influence within the UN system. The U.S. officially informed UNESCO of the decision, which will take effect on December 31, 2026. The decision was not entirely unexpected, as Trump had ordered a review of the U.S.'s UNESCO membership earlier this year. UNESCO's Director-General attempted to prevent the withdrawal through meetings with U.S. officials and organizations. The withdrawal is reportedly motivated by concerns over UNESCO's alleged anti-Israel bias and focus on divisive social and cultural issues. Supporters of the decision argue it aligns with an "America First" foreign policy and addresses the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric. Conversely, critics view the withdrawal as detrimental to programs like Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism. UNESCO's Director-General expressed deep regret, highlighting that the organization has diversified its funding sources since the previous U.S. withdrawal in 2017. Israel welcomed the U.S. decision, seeing it as a step towards fairer treatment within the UN.