U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.S. took issue with UNESCO’s focus on the U.N.’s sustainable development goals and the decision to include Palestine as a member state.
The Trump administration will withdraw the U.S. from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization about two years after the U.S. rejoined the group under Biden.
The agency focuses on promoting international collaboration in education, science and culture. It’s best known for its list of World Heritage sites, which acknowledge places with cultural or natural significance.
On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement that involvement in UNESCO is «not in the national interest of the United States», accusing the U.N. agency of advancing «divisive social and cultural causes.»
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s director general, said the decision was disappointing but anticipated. According to Azoulay, the withdrawal will take effect at the end of 2026.
