After rightfully dismantling USAID earlier this year, which funded dictatorships and terrorism around the world, the State Department announced Tuesday the Trump administration is ending the flow of American tax dollars to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
"Today, the United States informed Director-General Audrey Azoulay of the United States’ decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States," the State Department released in a statement. "UNESCO works to advance divisive social and cultural causes and maintains an outsized focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda for international development at odds with our America First foreign policy. UNESCO’s decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization."
"Continued U.S. participation in international organizations will focus on advancing American interests with clarity and conviction," the statement continues. "Pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution, U.S. withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026. The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time."
Today, the United States announced our decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission. Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
— Tammy Bruce (@statedeptspox) July 22, 2025
The French are mad about it, confirming it's the right move for America.
Unwavering support for UNESCO, a universal guardian of science, the Ocean, education, culture, and world heritage. The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment alongside those who lead this fight.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 22, 2025