Donald Trump has once again decided to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This was reported by the New York Post, citing White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
According to her, the decision was made because UNESCO allegedly supports controversial, divisive cultural and social projects that, according to the Trump administration, run counter to the interests of Americans and the course that US citizens voted for in the elections. At the same time, the organization is accused of ideological bias, which, according to the White House, is manifested in its pro-Palestinian and pro-Chinese stance.
Reuters has also verified the US withdrawal from UNESCO through two other independent diplomatic sources. So, Washington is once again taking a hard line on international organisations if they don’t fit with US national interests, according to the American leadership.
This is not the first time the US has withdrawn from UNESCO. In October 2017, during Trump’s first term, a similar decision was explained by the organisation’s ‘anti-Israel policy’ and the need for reform. During that time the US downgraded its participation to observer status. However, in 2021, the Biden administration revoked this action and restored full American membership in UNESCO.
