President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational agency, citing its support for “woke” and divisive social policies that the White House says conflict with the administration’s political agenda.
Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said the decision reflects the values Americans voted for in November, describing UNESCO’s positions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as incompatible with “common-sense governance.” The administration had reportedly considered the move as early as February, citing concerns over alleged antisemitic sentiment and the agency’s portrayal of minority and women’s contributions to U.S. military history.
This marks the second time Trump has sought to exit UNESCO. His first attempt came in 2017, but the U.S. rejoined under President Joe Biden in 2023.