Trump withdraws US from Unesco over Palestine recognition

US President Donald Trump has once again pulled the United States out of Unesco, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in protest of the agency’s recognition of Palestine as a member state. The decision, originally made during Trump's first term and reversed under President Joe Biden, has now been reinstated during his second term. The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026.

Commenting on the move, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the agency’s actions conflict with US national interests and accused Unesco of pursuing a "divisive" agenda.

“To admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, runs counter to US policy, and has encouraged anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation,” she said.

Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over the US decision, though she noted it had been "anticipated."

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Officials within the organisation said the American exit would have limited impact on programs still funded by the US, and that in recent years, all major statements had been issued with the consent of both Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel, for its part, welcomed Washington’s decision to withdraw.

The United States originally joined Unesco in 1945 as a founding member but withdrew in 1984 during President Ronald Reagan’s administration, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and anti-American bias. The country rejoined in 2003 under President George W Bush after reforms were introduced.

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In 2011, the Obama administration cut off $60 million in funding after Unesco granted full membership to Palestine.

Unesco is one of several international institutions from which Trump distanced the US during his presidency, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the United Nations Human Rights Council.