Trump withdraws US from UNESCO over ideological concerns

President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell by pulling the United States out of UNESCO, claiming the organization is steeped in anti-American and anti-Israel bias while pushing a divisive cultural agenda, as the New York Post reports.

After a thorough 90-day review ordered back in February, the administration concluded that UNESCO’s policies, from diversity initiatives to pro-Palestinian stances and cozy ties with China, simply don’t align with American values or interests.

Let’s rewind a bit to understand how we got here. The U.S. has had a rocky relationship with UNESCO, first exiting in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan due to the group’s politicization of issues and hostility toward free-market principles. Reagan’s team didn’t mince words, stating UNESCO had “extraneously politicized virtually every subject it deals with.”

History of tension marks relationship

Fast forward to 2017, and Trump initially ordered a withdrawal for similar reasons, pointing to a clear anti-Israel slant within the organization. But then, in 2023, President Joe Biden decided to rejoin, arguing that an American presence was crucial to counter China’s growing sway in UNESCO. Biden even pledged to pay over $600 million in back dues accrued since the U.S. stopped contributing in 2011 after Palestine was admitted as a member.

Now, Trump’s back at the helm and clearly not buying the “we need to be at the table” argument. His administration’s recent review zeroed in on UNESCO’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, which they see as out of touch with the common-sense values many Americans hold dear. White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly put it bluntly: “This President will always put America First.”

Let’s talk about some of UNESCO’s initiatives that raised red flags. Their 2023 “anti-racism toolkit” pushes member states to adopt policies addressing historical racism and ensuring equity, framed as a competitive “race to the top” for social justice advocacy. Sounds noble, but critics argue it’s a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores national sovereignty.

Controversial cultural programs spark debate

Then there’s UNESCO’s 2024 “Transforming MEN’talities” initiative, which includes efforts in India to reshape how men view gender norms. They’ve even published reports on using video games to promote equality, with assistant director-general Gabriela Ramos claiming games can “encourage positive, antidiscriminatory behaviors.” While innovation is great, mandating cultural shifts through gaming feels like a stretch to many conservatives.

On the geopolitical front, UNESCO’s actions toward Israel have long been a sticking point. The organization has designated Jewish holy sites as “Palestinian World Heritage” sites and often refers to Palestine as “occupied” by Israel while criticizing Israel’s actions without addressing Hamas’s role in Gaza. This kind of selective narrative isn’t just bias—it’s a deliberate tilt, according to the administration.

Adding fuel to the fire is China’s outsized influence within UNESCO. As the second-largest funder, with key figures such as deputy director-general Xing Qu in leadership roles, Beijing is accused of steering global standards to favor its own interests. A White House official didn’t hold back, stating China has “leveraged its influence over UNESCO” for its own gain.

China’s role raises eyebrows in DC

Critics also point to China’s alleged efforts to downplay the historical role of minorities like Uyghur Muslims in its narrative through UNESCO’s platforms. This kind of revisionism, if true, is a stark reminder that international bodies can be tools for powerful nations to rewrite inconvenient truths. It’s no wonder the Trump team sees this as a red line.

White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly summed up the withdrawal with a jab at UNESCO’s priorities, saying it “supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes” that clash with American voters’ expectations. And let’s be honest, when an organization seems more focused on redefining gender norms via video games than staying neutral on global conflicts, you’ve got to wonder where the mission drifted off course.

Now, some might argue that exiting UNESCO means losing a seat at the table to counter China or advocate for American interests. But the administration’s stance is clear: if the table is rigged against you from the start, why bother sitting down? It’s a gamble, but one Trump seems willing to take.

America First policy drives bold move

This isn’t just about policy disagreements; it’s about principle. If UNESCO can’t operate without pushing controversial agendas or bowing to influences that undermine fairness, then perhaps the U.S. is better off standing apart. After all, actions — or in this case, withdrawals — have consequences.

So, where does this leave us? Trump’s decision sends a loud message that America won’t fund or endorse organizations perceived as hostile to its values or allies like Israel. It’s a bold move, and whether it sparks reform in UNESCO or simply widens the divide remains to be seen.

For now, the U.S. is stepping back from an international stage it sees as more theater than forum. And if history is any guide, from Reagan to Trump, this won’t be the last time UNESCO feels the sting of American skepticism. Sometimes, walking away is the loudest statement of all.