The Trump administration has announced the US will withdraw funding and participation from UNESCO starting December 2026, citing concerns over alleged anti-Israel bias. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after a five-year US absence. France, where UNESCO’s headquarters is located, rejected the US accusations and pledged support for the organization’s role in promoting education, tolerance, and cultural preservation. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the US decision regrettable but affirmed continued operations despite reduced funding.