Washington: The US announced its third withdrawal from UNESCO effective December 31, 2026, citing the organization's admission of Palestine as a member and conflicts with the Trump administration's "America First" foreign policy. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that continued involvement in the Paris-based agency "is not in the national interest" of Washington.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bruce criticized UNESCO for advancing "divisive social and cultural causes" and focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goals, which she described as a "globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy." She further called UNESCO's 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state "highly problematic, contrary to US policy," suggesting it contributed to "anti-Israel" rhetoric within the organization.

This withdrawal marks a repetition of the Trump administration's 2018 exit from UNESCO over alleged "anti-Israel bias" and organizational mismanagement. The US had previously withdrawn from the institution in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, citing concerns about the agency's "extraneous" politicization. The US rejoined UNESCO in 2023 under Former President Joe Biden as the 194th member state. Bruce reiterated that US participation in international organizations would remain focused on "advancing American interests with clarity and conviction."

UNESCO's Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over President Trump's decision to withdraw from the organization once more. She stated, "This decision contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism," highlighting that the withdrawal reasons remain unchanged despite significant shifts in political tensions and the agency's role. Azoulay disputed US claims by emphasizing UNESCO's efforts in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.

Azoulay mentioned that UNESCO had anticipated the US's announcement and was prepared for it. Since 2018, the organization has undertaken reforms and funding diversification. US contributions now account for 8% of UNESCO's budget, compared to 40% for some UN entities, while the overall budget has increased. Azoulay noted the financial stability of the organization, with doubled voluntary contributions since 2018 and no planned layoffs. She affirmed that UNESCO welcomes all nations and will continue to maintain partnerships with American private sector entities, academia, and non-profit organizations while engaging in political dialogue with the US administration and Congress.