In a bombshell move, the Trump administration has ordered the U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO—slamming the agency for pushing an anti-Israel, anti-American, and ultra-woke cultural agenda hijacked by Chinese influence.
In a seismic foreign policy announcement, the United States is pulling out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing it of promoting an anti-Israel and anti-American narrative under the guise of cultural diplomacy.
The decision comes after a 90-day White House review ordered by former President Donald Trump in February. The investigation scrutinized UNESCO’s stance on Israel and rising ideological bias—particularly its embrace of controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and perceived alignment with Palestinian and Chinese interests.
“UNESCO has become a mouthpiece for woke extremism and anti-Israel propaganda—exactly the kind of divisive globalist vision Americans rejected in 2016,” said White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly.
Among the most contentious programs cited:
- A 2023 “anti-racism toolkit” that critics say imposes radical ideological frameworks.
- A 2024 campaign called “Transforming MEN’talities” aimed at reshaping global gender norms.
- UNESCO’s video game initiatives promoting gender politics.
But the breaking point, according to U.S. officials, was UNESCO’s repeated designation of Jewish historical sites—including holy shrines—as “Palestinian World Heritage” locations. The agency’s formal documents reportedly refer to Israel as an “occupying power”, fueling outrage from both American and Israeli diplomats.
Another red flag: China’s outsized influence within the agency. As UNESCO’s second-largest funder, Beijing’s role in shaping internal policy raised alarm bells in Washington. Chinese nationals currently hold several senior UNESCO positions, further deepening U.S. suspicion.
This is not Trump’s first clash with UNESCO. He previously pulled the U.S. out in 2017, citing similar reasons. Before that, President Ronald Reagan made the same move in 1983.
In contrast, President Joe Biden rejoined the agency in 2023, pledging a staggering $600 million in back dues—a decision that is now effectively reversed under Trump’s directive.In a seismic foreign policy announcement, the United States is pulling out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing it of promoting an anti-Israel and anti-American narrative under the guise of cultural diplomacy.
The decision comes after a 90-day White House review ordered by former President Donald Trump in February. The investigation scrutinized UNESCO’s stance on Israel and rising ideological bias—particularly its embrace of controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and perceived alignment with Palestinian and Chinese interests.
“UNESCO has become a mouthpiece for woke extremism and anti-Israel propaganda—exactly the kind of divisive globalist vision Americans rejected in 2016,” said White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly.
Among the most contentious programs cited:
- A 2023 “anti-racism toolkit” that critics say imposes radical ideological frameworks.
- A 2024 campaign called “Transforming MEN’talities” aimed at reshaping global gender norms.
- UNESCO’s video game initiatives promoting gender politics.
But the breaking point, according to U.S. officials, was UNESCO’s repeated designation of Jewish historical sites—including holy shrines—as “Palestinian World Heritage” locations. The agency’s formal documents reportedly refer to Israel as an “occupying power”, fueling outrage from both American and Israeli diplomats.
Another red flag: China’s outsized influence within the agency. As UNESCO’s second-largest funder, Beijing’s role in shaping internal policy raised alarm bells in Washington. Chinese nationals currently hold several senior UNESCO positions, further deepening U.S. suspicion.
This is not Trump’s first clash with UNESCO. He previously pulled the U.S. out in 2017, citing similar reasons. Before that, President Ronald Reagan made the same move in 1983.
In contrast, President Joe Biden rejoined the agency in 2023, pledging a staggering $600 million in back dues—a decision that is now effectively reversed under Trump’s directive.
