The United States is set to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to two European diplomats, marking another step in President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to distance the U.S. from international institutions.
UNESCO, founded after World War II to promote peace through cooperation in education, science, and culture, faces a significant setback with the U.S. departure. The agency is widely recognized for designating World Heritage Sites such as the Grand Canyon and Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra.
The New York Post also confirmed the move, citing a White House official.
This marks a return to Trump’s first-term policy, during which he withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Human Rights Council, the Paris climate agreement, and the Iran nuclear deal. President Joe Biden had reversed those decisions in 2021, rejoining the WHO, UNESCO, and the climate accord.
Now back in office, Trump has resumed his disengagement from multilateral bodies. In addition to exiting UNESCO, he has reportedly decided to withdraw from the WHO again and suspend funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. A full review of U.S. involvement in UN agencies is expected to conclude in August.
The U.S. previously left UNESCO in 1984, citing mismanagement and anti-American bias, before rejoining in 2003 under President George W. Bush, who praised reforms made by the organization.
