The United States is once again considering pulling out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to a White House official cited by the New York Post on Monday.
The move reflects President Donald Trump’s long-standing skepticism toward international institutions. During his first term, Trump withdrew the US from several global bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Human Rights Council, the Paris climate accord, and the Iran nuclear deal.
President Joe Biden reversed many of those decisions after assuming office in 2021, restoring US membership in UNESCO, the WHO, and other multilateral agreements.
However, with Trump back in the White House, the US appears set to revisit his “America First” approach to foreign policy. Reports indicate that a broader review of America’s involvement in UN agencies — including the Palestinian-focused UNRWA and the WHO — is underway and will be completed by August.
The US, a founding member of UNESCO in 1945, previously withdrew in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, citing concerns over mismanagement and anti-US bias. It rejoined in 2003 during George W. Bush’s presidency following organizational reforms.
