His government Donald Trump It announced on Tuesday (23.07.2025) the UNESCO’s departure of the United States, accusing the United Nations of the “divisive attitude” and “hostile rhetoric towards Israel”.
UNESCO Director General Audre Azoule expressed her “deep regret” for the decision. “No matter how sad, this announcement was expected and UNESCO is prepared,” he said. As early as 2017, during Donald Trump’s first term, the US had temporarily left the organization.
State Department spokesman Tami Bruce said that “the continued US participation in UNESCO does not serve our national interests.” According to her, the organization promotes “divisive social and cultural issues” and follows “globalized ideological agenda” through UN sustainable development objectives, “incompatible with the policy” first in America “”.
Washington also criticized UNESCO’s decision to recognize Palestine as a Member State, which was described as “very problematic” and “contrary to US foreign policy”. This decision, according to the Trump government, contributed to the dissemination of anti -Israeli rhetoric within the organization.
US departure is expected to be officially in force on December 31, 2026.