Overview

• The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, and the U.S. will remain a member until then, contributing roughly 8% of UNESCO’s budget.
• It marks the third U.S. exit from UNESCO after departures under Ronald Reagan in 1984 and under Trump in 2017, following reentries under George W. Bush in 2003 and Joe Biden in 2023.
• The administration cited UNESCO’s “woke” programs, its focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals, and alleged anti-Israel and pro-Palestine bias as the basis for withdrawal.
• UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said she regretted the decision and underscored that the organization has prepared by diversifying its funding sources.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move as promoting justice for Israel in the UN system, while French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed his unwavering support for UNESCO.