Washington, DC -- Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement on the Trump administration withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

“Unilaterally withdrawing the United States from UNESCO is another assault by the Trump administration on international cooperation and U.S. global leadership. This decision cedes more ground to U.S. competitors, especially China, who will take advantage of America’s absence to further shape the international system in their favor.  

“Contrary to the Trump administration’s smears against UNESCO, our withdrawal from this body only weakens our ability to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias; it is the only UN agency with a mandate to promote Holocaust education globally. UNESCO is also a key forum for shaping global education and technology standards—China will celebrate our empty seat at the UNESCO table as it seeks to gain an edge against the U.S. in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.  

“UNESCO also directly benefits the U.S. economy through its Creative Cities and World Heritage programs, through which the United States has recently secured two new World Heritage inscriptions in Ohio and Pennsylvania—promoting to the world the beauty, culture, and heritage of American cities. The Trump administration’s withdrawal ensures American communities will no longer see such opportunities to shine on the global stage. 

“Once again, this administration is undermining U.S. global leadership and inserting corrosive MAGA culture wars into U.S. foreign policy. It’s reckless, counterproductive, and will harm American interests for years to come.”