Trump withdraws US from UNESCO over ‘anti-Israel’ views
The United States once again withdraws from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), accusing the agency of promoting “woke, divisive cultural and social causes,” according to Al Jazeera on July 22nd.
Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, said continued US membership in UNESCO was not in the country’s “national interest,” describing the agency’s mission as “divisive.”
Bruce highlighted several concerns, criticising UNESCO’s support for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate change, calling them a reflection of a “globalist, ideological agenda.”
Another key point of contention was UNESCO’s inclusion of Palestine as a member state, which Bruce described as “highly problematic” and “at odds” with America First foreign policy, further citing alleged “anti-Israel” sentiment within the organisation.
This is Trump’s second exit from the organisation, as the US withdrew in 2018 during his first term amid accusations of bias against Israel within the group. The US rejoined UNESCO in 2023 under former President Biden.
Since Trump’s return to office, many of Biden’s international policies have been reversed, including reduced US involvement in global organisations, such as withdrawing support from the World Health Organisation and defunding the UN Human Rights Council.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “The President will always put America First. Our membership in all international organisations must align with our national interests.”
Israel supported the decision. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called it a necessary response to “politicisation” in the UN system and thanked the US for its “moral support and leadership.”
In response, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay defended the agency’s neutrality, affirming that “UNESCO’s purpose is to welcome all the nations of the world”, with the US always having a place within the organisation.
Azoulay noted that 8% of UNESCO’s budget depends on US contributions, promising that no staff cuts will result from the US exit. The agency will continue collaborating with its former partner.
This move is yet another example of the US’s strong defence of Israel in international forums.
Criticism of US support for Israel has intensified since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023, with more than 59,000 Palestinians reportedly killed. Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has worsened due to a blockade of essential supplies, prompting famine warnings from the UN.
Despite these mounting concerns, the Trump administration remains firmly behind Israel.
Al Jazeera, Maghrebi.org
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