WASHINGTON: The United States has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing the organization’s recent recognition of Palestine as a contributing factor.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declared that remaining a member of UNESCO is no longer in America’s national interest. She accused the organization of promoting sentiments that are hostile toward Israel and fostering policies that conflict with U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly the “America First” agenda.
“UNESCO’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state is a serious issue and contrary to U.S. policy. It has become a platform for spreading anti-Israel narratives,” Bruce stated.
She further emphasized that U.S. participation in international organizations would now be based strictly on advancing American interests.
The withdrawal is set to take effect on December 21, 2026, and UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay has been formally notified of the decision.
This marks the second time the U.S., under a Trump administration, has chosen to exit UNESCO. The first withdrawal occurred in 2011, following UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine as a full member state. At the time, the Obama administration responded by halting $60 million in funding to the organization.
The U.S. has also previously withdrawn from the United Nations Human Rights Council and cut funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
This latest move signals a further shift in American diplomacy and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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