US Exits UNESCO Amid Criticism of Bias and Woke Policies
WASHINGTON — President Trump has officially announced the United States’ departure from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), attributing the decision to the body’s perceived anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments, as well as its ‘woke’ agenda.
Back in February, Trump instructed a review of America’s ties with UNESCO, focusing on any evidence of “anti-Semitism or anti-Israel bias within the institution.”
Following this evaluation, officials from the administration identified issues with UNESCO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, along with its alignment with pro-Palestinian and pro-China perspectives, as reported by a White House spokesperson.
“President Trump has concluded that the United States will withdraw from UNESCO as it embraces divisive social and cultural initiatives that contradict the common-sense policies favored by American voters in the last election,” said White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly.
“He remains committed to prioritizing American interests in all international affiliations.”
Among the criticisms raised were UNESCO’s release of an “anti-racism toolkit” in 2023 and its 2024 initiative titled “Transforming MEN’talities.” The former urged member states to adopt “anti-racist” measures and engage in a “race to the top” to champion social justice, while addressing the historical context of racism in their areas.
The “MEN’talities” report detailed efforts in India to shift male perceptions regarding gender issues, particularly concerning “harmful gender norms.”
Additionally, the initiative issued a report last year examining how video games could foster “gender equality.”
“The aim is not only to mitigate adverse impacts but also to leverage gaming as a medium to challenge socio-cultural stereotypes and promote positive, non-discriminatory behaviors,” stated Gabriela Ramos, Assistant-Director General for the Social and Human Sciences.
Simultaneously, UNESCO employed its Executive Board to advance resolutions seen as anti-Israel, including classifying Jewish sacred sites as “Palestinian World Heritage” locations.
The organization often uses language that frames Palestine as “occupied” by Israel while condemning Israel’s military actions against Hamas, failing to address the group’s oppressive governance in Gaza.
Furthermore, China ranks as UNESCO’s second-largest contributor, with Chinese officials, including deputy director-general Xing Qu, occupying key positions within the organization.
“Beijing has utilized its influence within UNESCO to promote global standards that align with its interests,” noted the White House representative.
The Chinese Communist Party has faced scrutiny for minimizing the role of ethnic minorities, such as Uyghur Muslims, in its historical narrative through its UNESCO partnerships.
Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from UNESCO in 2017, again citing perceived anti-Israel bias as a primary reason.
Former President Joe Biden reversed this decision in 2023, asserting the need for U.S. representation in UNESCO to counteract China’s growing influence.
The Biden administration committed to repaying over $600 million in dues accumulated since 2011, when the U.S. halted contributions due to Palestine’s membership.
The U.S.’s history with UNESCO dates back to its first withdrawal in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, who criticized the organization for politicizing its agenda and showing hostility towards free societies, free markets, and free press.
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