Overview

• President Trump’s February executive order launched a 90-day review of UNESCO, culminating in the State Department’s formal notification on July 22 that the U.S. will exit by Dec. 31, 2026.
• State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said UNESCO’s emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives advances “divisive social and cultural causes” unaligned with U.S. interests.
• The administration flagged UNESCO’s 2011 admission of the State of Palestine as highly problematic, accusing the body of fostering anti-Israel rhetoric contrary to U.S. policy.
• UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said she deeply regrets the decision and highlighted that the agency has diversified its funding to offset the loss of American contributions, now roughly 8% of its budget.
• Analysts warn the U.S. withdrawal will weaken America’s influence in multilateral forums and create space for China to expand its leadership within the UN system.