Trump Withdraws from UNESCO Again, Labeling It a ‘Woke’ Program

In a controversial move that’s drawing both applause and criticism, Donald Trump has announced that the United States will once again withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Labeling it a “woke” globalist platform, Trump justified his decision as part of his continued effort to fight what he sees as ideological overreach in international institutions.

This decision marks the second time Trump has pulled the U.S. out of UNESCO, with the first occurring in 2017 during his previous term. Now, with Trump back in the political spotlight and possibly preparing for another presidential run, this withdrawal sends a strong message to his base—and to the world.

In this article, we’ll break down what UNESCO is, why Trump withdrew again, how critics and supporters are responding, and what this means for America’s place in global cooperation.

What Is UNESCO and Why Does It Matter?

A Quick Overview of UNESCO

UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a UN agency focused on promoting peace and security through international cooperation in:

• Education
• Science
• Culture
• Communication and information

The agency is perhaps most famous for its list of World Heritage Sites, like the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China. But it also works on global education programs, cultural preservation, and scientific initiatives such as ocean research and climate change monitoring.

UNESCO plays a critical role in fostering global dialogue, protecting cultural diversity, and promoting scientific collaboration between nations.

Trump Withdraws from UNESCO Again: The Reasons Behind the Move

Why Did Trump Call UNESCO ‘Woke’?

According to Trump’s statement, UNESCO has become “another bloated, globalist agency pushing radical woke ideology.” He cited several reasons for the withdrawal:

• Accusations of bias against Israel: Trump believes UNESCO has long held anti-Israel sentiments, referencing resolutions that have criticized Israeli policies in Jerusalem and Gaza.
• Promotion of leftist values: He claims UNESCO is prioritizing gender identity, climate alarmism, and anti-American values under the guise of education and culture.
• Financial burden: Trump also mentioned the high cost of U.S. membership fees, stating that “American taxpayers should not foot the bill for globalist propaganda.”

In his words, the U.S. needs to “reclaim its sovereignty” and stop contributing to international bodies that “don’t respect our values.”

A History of U.S. and UNESCO: A Love-Hate Relationship

This isn’t the first time the United States has withdrawn from UNESCO. Here’s a quick timeline of key events:

• 1984: President Ronald Reagan first withdrew the U.S. from UNESCO, citing mismanagement and an anti-Western bias.
• 2003: President George W. Bush rejoined the organization, hoping to re-engage the U.S. in global diplomacy.
• 2017: Trump withdrew again during his first term, making similar arguments about bias and ideology.
• 2023: President Joe Biden rejoined UNESCO, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.
• 2025: Trump withdraws again, reinforcing his stance against “woke” global institutions.

This back-and-forth has led many to call the U.S. relationship with UNESCO a diplomatic roller coaster.

Reactions from Around the World

Supporters Applaud the Move

Trump’s supporters, especially those aligned with his “America First” agenda, praised the decision as another step in reclaiming national pride and cutting ties with globalist influences.

• Conservative commentators called the decision “bold” and “patriotic.”
• Republican lawmakers said UNESCO no longer represents American interests and applauded Trump for taking a stand.
• Right-wing media outlets emphasized the need to fight “woke ideology” in all forms, including on the global stage.

For these supporters, Trump’s move is consistent with his platform: less international entanglement, more national focus.

Critics Warn of Diplomatic Damage

However, critics from both the political center and left condemned the decision:

• Former diplomats warn it could isolate the U.S. further from global scientific and cultural discussions.
• UN officials called the move “disheartening,” saying it sets back years of cooperation.
• Academics and educators expressed concern that pulling out of UNESCO weakens the U.S.’s role in global education and cultural preservation efforts.

Critics also argue that labeling the organization “woke” is overly simplistic, and that this decision is more about political posturing than genuine policy concerns.

What Are the Implications of the Withdrawal?

Financial and Operational Impact

The U.S. was one of the largest contributors to UNESCO’s budget. Its withdrawal means:

• Reduced funding for global education initiatives
• Delays in cultural preservation projects in developing nations
• Uncertainty for joint scientific research programs

UNESCO will now need to fill that funding gap or scale back some of its programs.

Global Reputation and Influence

Some experts argue that by withdrawing, the U.S. risks losing soft power—the kind of influence that comes from leading in diplomacy, science, and culture.

• China and Russia may take advantage of the U.S. absence to expand their own influence within UNESCO.
• Allies in Europe and Asia may view this move as another signal that America is retreating from global leadership.

This could have long-term effects on everything from trade negotiations to scientific alliances.

Is This Withdrawal Final?

Could the U.S. Rejoin Again?

Given the history of back-and-forth decisions, it’s possible that a future administration could rejoin UNESCO once more.

This flip-flop, however, has created an image of instability that may discourage international partners from relying on the U.S. for long-term cooperation.

The Bigger Picture: Culture Wars Go Global

Trump’s withdrawal from UNESCO is not just a bureaucratic change—it’s a symbol of how culture wars in the U.S. are now playing out on the international stage.

Words like “woke,” once used mainly in domestic debates, are now being applied to global institutions. This raises a bigger question: Can the U.S. engage with the world while fighting internal ideological battles?

What Happens Next?

As UNESCO adjusts to the loss of U.S. funding and participation, the coming months will reveal:

• How other nations respond
• Whether UNESCO will shift its direction or double down on its current path
• Whether Trump’s decision will influence other countries to reevaluate their role in UN agencies

For now, it’s clear that the decision to withdraw has sparked a new round of debates about what kind of role America should play in the world—and what values should guide that role.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S. Foreign Policy

Trump withdraws from UNESCO—again—and the move is sparking global attention. Supporters say it’s a stand for national pride. Critics call it short-sighted and damaging. But no matter which side you’re on, the withdrawal is another sign of how deeply divided today’s politics have become, not just within the U.S., but between the U.S. and the rest of the world.

One thing’s for sure: America’s place in global cooperation is changing—and this is only the beginning.

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