President Donald Trump announced the US will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing the organization’s anti-American and anti-Israel bias, along with its woke agenda. The decision follows a 90-day review initiated in February, focusing on anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within UNESCO.
Concerns Over DEI Policies
Administration officials expressed concerns about UNESCO’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the organization’s pro-Palestinian and pro-China stance influenced the decision, emphasizing that Trump prioritizes American interests in international organizations.
UNESCO‘s recent initiatives raised alarms, as the 2023 “anti-racism toolkit” urged member states to adopt anti-racist policies. Additionally, the 2024 “Transforming MEN’talities” initiative aimed to reshape perceptions of gender issues in India, which also included a report on using video games to promote gender equality.
Anti-Israel Actions
UNESCO has faced criticism for its anti-Israel actions, including designating Jewish holy sites as “Palestinian World Heritage” sites, with the organization frequently describing Palestine as “occupied” by Israel while failing to condemn Hamas’s actions in Gaza.
Moreover, China, the second-largest funder of UNESCO, has leveraged its influence to promote its interests. The Chinese Communist Party has faced scrutiny for downplaying the role of minorities, such as Uyghur Muslims, in its history.
Trump previously withdrew the US from UNESCO in 2017, citing similar concerns. The US first left the organization in 1983 under President Reagan, who criticized its politicization and hostility toward free societies. President Biden rejoined UNESCO in 2023, arguing that American presence was essential to counter China’s influence, with his administration also pledging to repay over $600 million in dues since 2011.
