The United States decided to withdraw once again from UNESCO, the United Nations Cultural and Educational Agency (UN), according to two European diplomats heard by Reuters This Monday (22). The measure represents another step of President Donald Trump to reduce the country’s presence in multilateral organizations.
The White House has not officially commented on the decision so far. According to New York Postthe withdrawal was confirmed by a representative of the US government.
UNESCO, based in Paris, was created after World War II to promote peace through international cooperation in the areas of education, science and culture. Among his best known attributions is the designation of world heritage, such as the Grand Canyon, USA, and the historic city of Palmyra, Syria.
Trump had already taken the US from UNESCO during its first term, alleging anti -American bias and financial management problems at the agency. At the time, the country contributed about 20% of the organization’s budget. After returning to UNESCO in 2023, during the Joe Biden government, American participation represented about 8% of the entity’s financing.
In addition to UNESCO, Trump has already announced US departure from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN UN Funding cut for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) as part of a broader review of American presence in international organizations. The result of this evaluation is scheduled for August.
The first US departure from UNESCO occurred in 1984, under the government of Ronald Reagan, being reversed only in 2003 by then President George W. Bush. The current decision marks the third dismissal of the agency’s country.
