U.S. Withdraws from UNESCO Amid Cultural Policy Disputes

 The United States announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on July 22, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences over cultural policies. 

The Trump administration, marking its 100-day milestone, accused UNESCO of bias against U.S. interests, particularly in its handling of Middle East heritage sites and alleged anti-Israel resolutions. The move echoes a 2018 exit, reversed in 2023, but this time, the U.S. plans a permanent departure, redirecting $600 million in annual contributions to domestic programs.

UNESCO expressed regret, arguing its mission to preserve global heritage, e.g., funding 40% of World Heritage sites, benefits the U.S., which hosts 14 such sites. Critics, including Democrats, call it a retreat from multilateralism, while supporters praise it as a stand against perceived politicization, noting UNESCO’s 2024 budget shortfall of $150 million post-U.S. funding cuts. 

The narrative splits along ideological lines, reflecting both nationalist approval and international concern, though the decision’s long-term cultural impact remains speculative without detailed policy alternatives.