US to Withdraw from UNESCO in December 2026, Citing “Woke” Agenda

Kokcha News Agency: The United States has decided to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with the decision set to take effect at the end of December 2026. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced the move, arguing that remaining in UNESCO does not serve U.S. national interests.

Bruce stated, “UNESCO is working to promote divisive social and cultural causes and is overly focused on a globalist, ideological agenda for international development that is at odds with our America First foreign policy.”

“Woke” Criticism:
Prior to this announcement, White House Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly told The New York Post that President Donald Trump had decided to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, claiming that the organization supports “woke,” divisive issues that are not aligned with the moderate policies Americans voted for in November.

Impact on UNESCO:
According to France 24, the U.S. withdrawal, set for December 2026, will be a significant blow to the Paris-based organization. UNESCO, established in 1945 to promote international cooperation in education, science, and culture, has faced financial challenges in recent years, and the U.S. departure will further strain its resources.

Historical Context:
This is not the first time the U.S. has withdrawn from UNESCO. The country first left the organization in 1984, citing poor financial management and perceived anti-American bias. The U.S. rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush.

During his first term, President Trump also withdrew the U.S. from several international organizations and agreements, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Human Rights Council, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Iran nuclear deal. His successor, Joe Biden, reversed many of these decisions upon taking office in 2021, rejoining UNESCO, WHO, and the Paris Agreement.

Financial Impact:
When Trump first withdrew from UNESCO in 2017, the U.S. was contributing approximately 20% of the organization’s budget. That figure has since dropped to around 8%.

UNESCO’s Response:
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, stating, “I am deeply saddened by President Donald Trump’s decision to once again withdraw the United States from UNESCO. This decision will take effect at the end of December 2026.”