In a move stirring international debate, former President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) — for the second time in under a decade. The decision was officially announced today by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a return to Trump’s previous stance during his first term, when the U.S. left the agency in 2019 citing “anti-Israel bias” and “political agendas.
” Now, the justification shifts toward what Trump calls a "woke and divisive cultural influence" within the organization. According to the statement, UNESCO has drifted too far into “social engineering and progressive indoctrination,” failing to align with the values and priorities of the American people. Trump, speaking at a rally, declared: “We don’t need global bureaucrats telling us how to teach our kids, define our values, or rewrite our history.”
The decision has been met with mixed reactions globally. While Israel welcomed the move, reiterating its own previous concerns with UNESCO’s recognition of Palestinian cultural sites, several European allies, including France, expressed deep disappointment. French President Emmanuel Macron called the withdrawal “a step backward for global cooperation and cultural diplomacy.” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay also issued a formal statement:
“It is unfortunate that a founding member would step away from our mission at a time when education, climate action, and cultural heritage protection are more critical than ever.” The Biden administration had previously restored U.S. membership in 2023, rejoining efforts to fund educational programs, combat climate change, and preserve global cultural sites.
The renewed withdrawal signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy — and a return to unilateralism. Political analysts suggest this move is part of a broader strategy by Trump to reinforce nationalist rhetoric ahead of the 2026 elections. They point to similar rhetoric being used in decisions regarding WHO, NATO contributions, and international climate accords. This second UNESCO exit sends a strong symbolic message: under Trump’s vision, America First remains a defining principle, even at the cost of alienating allies and disrupting long-standing diplomatic engagements.
