Overview

• The State Department announced on July 22 that the United States will withdraw from UNESCO, with the exit taking effect at the end of 2026.
• This decision marks the third US departure from UNESCO, following exits in 2018 under President Trump and a reentry in July 2023 under President Biden.
• Spokesperson Tammy Bruce cited UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine as a member state as a primary justification for the withdrawal.
• Bruce also argued that UNESCO’s emphasis on the UN Sustainable Development Goals runs counter to the US “America First” foreign policy.
• UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over the announcement and affirmed that the agency is prepared to operate without US financial contributions.