Former President Donald Trump is set to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to a report by the New York Post. The decision follows a 90-day internal review of the organization, with Trump citing anti-American, anti-Israel bias and what he calls UNESCO’s “woke, divisive agenda.”
Trump Administration Blasts UNESCO’s Direction
“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 Americans voted for in November,” White House Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly said.
“This President will always put America First and ensure our country’s participation in international bodies reflects U.S. national interests.”
The review reportedly took issue with UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, its perceived pro-Palestinian and pro-China stance, and specific initiatives such as its 2023 ‘Anti-Racism Toolkit’ and the 2024 “Transforming MEN’talities” campaign, which focused on challenging harmful gender norms globally.
UNESCO Initiatives Under Scrutiny
Critics within the Trump administration pointed to the anti-racism toolkit as an effort to push member nations into adopting aggressive social justice agendas. The toolkit encourages nations to examine their history of racism and compete to become leading advocates for equity.
Another program, the MEN’talities initiative, focused on reshaping male perspectives on gender issues and included studies on how video games can promote gender equality. At the time, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General Gabriela Ramos said the program was meant to challenge stereotypes and foster anti-discriminatory behavior through culture and technology.
Israel and China at the Center of the Dispute
The administration also accused UNESCO of bias against Israel, claiming the organization used its executive authority to designate Jewish holy sites as Palestinian World Heritage locations. Officials criticized UNESCO for failing to hold Hamas accountable while regularly condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
China’s role in UNESCO was another major concern. A White House official said, “Beijing has become the second-largest funder of UNESCO and is using its influence to shape global standards to suit its own geopolitical interests.”
A Familiar Exit
This would mark the second time Trump has removed the U.S. from UNESCO. In 2017, he pulled out over similar concerns about anti-Israel bias. The first U.S. withdrawal occurred in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, who argued that UNESCO had become too political, financially irresponsible, and hostile to free-market values.
In 2023, President Joe Biden rejoined the organization, claiming that U.S. involvement was necessary to counter China’s growing influence.
Now, Trump appears poised to reverse that decision—once again placing UNESCO at the center of a broader battle over American sovereignty, global governance, and cultural policy.
