Trump Withdraws US from UNESCO: A Major Setback for Global Culture and Education

The United States is set to leave UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational agency. This announcement came from the State Department, signaling another step in President Trump’s move to withdraw the U.S. from various international organizations.

According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, UNESCO focuses too much on social and cultural issues that don’t align with the “America First” approach. This marks a significant moment for the Paris-based organization, which began after World War II to promote peace through cooperation in education, science, and culture.

The U.S. plans to exit by December 2026. While this is expected to impact UNESCO’s educational and cultural efforts, the organization has been preparing for the possibility of this withdrawal. The U.S. contributes about 8% of UNESCO’s budget. In contrast, it provides a much larger portion of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) funding.

White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized that the decision reflects a desire to distance American policies from what they view as divisive cultural agendas. Earlier this year, a review of U.S. involvement in UNESCO showed concerns over the organization’s perceived bias against Israel and a lack of reforms.

UNESCO is well-known for designating World Heritage sites, like the Grand Canyon. It also works to foster dialogue among cultures through various educational programs. The U.S. was part of UNESCO since its founding in 1945 but has now decided to withdraw three times.

Historically, the first exit occurred in 1983 under Ronald Reagan’s administration, which criticized the organization for political bias. The U.S. rejoined in 2003 with assurances of reforms but left again in 2017 over similar concerns.

Interestingly, the Biden administration re-entered UNESCO in 2023, motivated to counteract growing Chinese influence, as China became the largest financial supporter during the U.S. absence. To rejoin, the U.S. agreed to pay significant back dues and support educational initiatives globally.

Recent trends show that social media users are divided on the topic. Some believe the withdrawal reflects a lack of commitment to global cooperation, while others support the decision, viewing it as a stand against perceived biases.

As international landscapes shift, this latest exit from UNESCO highlights ongoing debates about America’s role in global organizations. It raises questions about the future of international cooperation in cultural and educational efforts.

For more information on the implications of this decision, you may want to check sources like The Guardian.

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