The United States has officially withdrawn from UNESCO, accusing the UN cultural agency of promoting anti-Israel bias and divisive global ideologies.
In a Tuesday announcement, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the U.S. no longer sees value in staying in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
“Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,” Bruce said.
This decision marks another withdrawal under a Republican president. Donald Trump first ordered the U.S. out of UNESCO in 2017, citing similar concerns.
President Joe Biden later rejoined the agency during his administration.
However, the U.S. has once again pulled out under pressure from conservative policymakers.
Anti-Israel Bias and Globalist Goals Cited
Tammy Bruce criticized UNESCO’s “globalist, ideological agenda.”
She said the organization promotes divisive causes under the banner of sustainability and cultural cooperation.
One major point of tension is UNESCO’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state.
The U.S. strongly opposes this move, calling it “contrary to U.S. policy” and a source of anti-Israel rhetoric.
Bruce emphasized that this step undermines U.S. foreign policy and fosters bias within the organization.
UNESCO’s Mission and Global Reach
UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, promotes global education, cultural heritage, and scientific collaboration.
The body is best known for designating World Heritage Sites such as the Pyramids of Egypt, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and Greece’s Acropolis.
Despite the criticism, UNESCO maintains that its goal is to encourage peace through education, culture, and science.
It continues to support international cooperation on issues like environmental protection and historical preservation.
Not the First U.S. Exit
Trump isn’t the only president to take issue with UNESCO. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan also pulled the U.S. out of the agency, citing corruption and pro-Soviet bias.
The U.S. rejoined under George W. Bush, left under Trump, reentered under Biden, and has now exited once again.