Decision to Reverse Course Just Two Years After Rejoining
Local media have reported that President Donald Trump of the United States has decided to withdraw from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It is reported that he took issue with UNESCO's perceived anti-Israel and pro-China stance, as well as its diversity policies.
According to the New York Post and other outlets on July 22 (local time), Anna Kelly, Deputy White House Press Secretary, stated, "President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO."
She added, "UNESCO supports 'woke' (progressive cultural agendas) and divisive cultural and social agendas," and continued, "This is completely incompatible with the common-sense policies that the American people chose in last November's election."
She further explained, "President Trump will always uphold the 'America First' principle and ensure that U.S. participation in all international organizations serves the national interest."
Previously, immediately after returning to office in February, President Trump instructed his administration to review U.S. membership in UNESCO.
The New York Post reported that, during this process, government officials expressed concerns about UNESCO's DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, as well as its pro-China and pro-Palestinian tendencies.
The United States also withdrew from UNESCO in 1983 during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, citing concerns over politicization and budget waste, before rejoining in 2002 under the Bush administration.
Later, during the first Trump administration in 2017, the U.S. withdrew again, this time due to UNESCO's perceived anti-Israel stance. The Joe Biden administration rejoined UNESCO in 2023 in an effort to counter China.
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