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Trump Walks Out on UNESCO in Clash Over ‘Woke’ Agenda

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In a dramatic policy reversal, the United States has once again withdrawn from UNESCO, the global cultural body under the United Nations. Citing national interest and ideological conflict, the Trump administration declared the move a firm step against “divisive” agendas. With support from Israel and criticism from U.N. leaders, the decision echoes past tensions over Palestine’s membership and political bias. As America turns away from global platforms it once helped build, this sudden exit from UNESCO has reignited sharp debate on diplomacy, development, and the delicate balance of international cooperation.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

– Trump administration officially announces second U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO
– White House cites “America First” policy and rejection of “divisive” global agendas
– Israel praises the move, pointing to longstanding U.N. biases
– UNESCO’s 2011 admission of Palestine remains central to U.S. objections
– State Department says U.S. funding should not support politicized institutions
– U.N. Secretary-General warns of consequences from U.S. disengagement

In a move that rekindles a familiar chapter of recent diplomatic history, the Trump administration has announced that the United States will once again exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision, unveiled on Tuesday, marks the second time a Trump-led White House has opted to pull out of the U.N. agency, raising eyebrows within the international community and prompting mixed reactions from allies and critics alike.

The exit reflects broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s renewed “America First” doctrine. It is also the latest in a series of strategic recalibrations aimed at reassessing America’s role within multilateral institutions, particularly those seen as misaligned with U.S. values or priorities.

White House Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly issued a formal statement elaborating the administration’s rationale:

“President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November.”

Kelly emphasized the administration’s core foreign policy philosophy, stating:

“This president will always put America First and ensure our country’s membership in all international organizations aligns with our national interests.”

This latest departure from UNESCO follows an earlier exit initiated by the Trump administration in 2017, during Trump’s first term. That decision, based on similar concerns, was reversed in 2023 under President Joe Biden, who argued for reengagement and cooperation within international forums. However, Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 has seen a reversal of many of Biden’s multilateralist policies, with the UNESCO withdrawal seen as emblematic of a broader policy course correction.

The administration’s skepticism toward UNESCO stems, in part, from what officials describe as the agency’s growing political tilt. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reinforced this position during a press briefing, making it clear that the U.S. views continued participation in the agency as a strategic misalignment.

“UNESCO works to advance divisive social and cultural causes and maintains an outsized focus on the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Bruce said.

She added:

“This globalist, ideological agenda for international development is at odds with our America First foreign policy.”

One of the administration’s long-standing objections to UNESCO has been its 2011 decision to admit the “State of Palestine” as a full member state — a move that both past and current U.S. governments have opposed. The Trump administration sees this as an example of institutional bias and believes it has contributed to what it calls a proliferation of anti-Israel sentiment within the organization.

“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a Member State is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” Bruce added.

The announcement has been welcomed in Israel, a key U.S. ally that has also voiced long-standing frustrations with UNESCO. Israeli officials have echoed the concerns raised by Washington, saying the agency has been used as a platform for political targeting.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon expressed his approval in a public statement:

“The U.S. continues to demonstrate moral clarity in the international arena and when it comes to its involvement and financial investments in international organizations.”

Danon went on to criticize the direction of UNESCO’s programming and priorities:

“The U.S. makes it clear that it is unwilling to support entities that promote hatred, historical revisionism, and political divisiveness over advancing shared universal values.”

Echoing those sentiments, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar described the decision as justified and overdue:

“It is a necessary step, designed to promote justice and Israel’s right to fair treatment in the U.N. system, a right which has often been trampled due to politicization in this arena.”

Sa’ar further argued:

“Singling out Israel and politicization by member states must end, in this and all professional U.N. agencies.”

The decision comes at a time when the U.S. relationship with several U.N. bodies has grown increasingly tense. The U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has recently come under scrutiny by international bodies, further deepening the friction. Additionally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s broader foreign aid cuts, warning that they could have “especially devastating” consequences for the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Still, within Washington, the administration maintains that its strategy is one of principle, not isolation. While critics worry the U.S. is retreating from global leadership, officials argue the country is simply choosing where to engage more deliberately.

As the international landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO underscores the ongoing debate over how nations should engage with global institutions — and whether those institutions are fulfilling their original missions in an increasingly complex and polarized world.

The United States’ renewed withdrawal from UNESCO under the Trump administration signals a deliberate step away from international bodies perceived as misaligned with national priorities. While the move has earned applause from allies like Israel, it has also reignited global concerns over growing political divides within U.N. institutions. As debates intensify over the role of ideology in global cooperation, America’s exit from UNESCO once again places diplomacy, cultural policy, and international unity at a critical crossroads—raising more questions than answers about the future of multilateral engagement.

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EU Fires Back as US Tariff Heat Rises Without a Trade Deal

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As tensions mount across the Atlantic, the European Union has boldly signaled its intent to strike back if no trade deal with the United States is finalized by August 1. With President Donald Trump’s fresh 30% tariff on EU goods stirring unease, Brussels is bracing for impact. The warning comes after months of stalled talks, diplomatic letters, and rising pressure from within the bloc. Now, with over $24 billion in countermeasures waiting in the wings, the high-stakes trade drama threatens to spiral into a full-scale tariff clash.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • EU issues warning: will retaliate if no deal is reached by August 1

  • Trump enacts 30% tariff on EU goods, escalating tension

  • $24B in paused EU countermeasures may be revived

  • Macron urges a firm, defensive EU response

  • Italy calls for unity, warns against trade war

  • Trump threatens further hikes if EU retaliates

Tensions between Washington and Brussels are once again simmering, as the European Union has hinted at strong retaliatory measures if a long-awaited trade deal with the United States fails to materialize by August 1. The latest developments unfold just as President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 30% tariff on European goods, reigniting concerns of a transatlantic trade war that had been temporarily placed on pause.

For weeks, negotiators from both sides have been locked in discussions, attempting to bridge differences and strike a fair trade agreement. While progress has been made in certain areas, the EU now appears to be signaling that its patience is wearing thin.

Warning with a Deadline

On July 12, the European Commission released a carefully worded statement, acknowledging ongoing efforts to find a path forward but also drawing a clear line should talks falter.

“At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

This statement marks a shift in tone after months of relatively cautious diplomacy. Back in April, the EU had decided to hold back on retaliatory measures targeting more than $24 billion in American goods, following Trump’s 90-day delay on a previous tariff announcement. That olive branch was meant to give space for dialogue.

But with the White House now reintroducing pressure in the form of a bold 30% tariff, the EU’s top leadership is signaling a readiness to act if the U.S. pushes the confrontation further.

Macron Calls for a Strong Front

Among the European leaders taking a harder stance is French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for an accelerated strategy to prepare the bloc’s response should the negotiations collapse.

“This implies speeding up the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilizing all the instruments at its disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is reached by August 1st,” Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Macron’s position reflects growing sentiment across several European capitals that the EU must not be caught off-guard by sudden U.S. policy shifts. He has been one of the strongest voices advocating for strategic autonomy and a firmer hand in international trade policy.

Italy Urges Calm Amid Rising Tension

Contrasting Macron’s push for readiness, Italy has taken a more measured approach. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office issued a statement encouraging both sides to avoid escalating tensions further and to prioritize the long-term health of transatlantic ties.

“We trust in the goodwill of all the parties involved to reach a fair agreement, able to strengthen the West in its entirety, as it would make no sense to spark a trade war between the two sides of the Atlantic, especially in the current context,” said the Italian government.

Italy’s message comes at a time when the West faces a range of shared geopolitical challenges, and a trade war between two major allies could have unintended consequences far beyond just tariffs.

Trump’s Firm Position

President Trump, for his part, has made no secret of his strategy. In letters sent to European leaders—including Commission President von der Leyen—he warned that any EU decision to retaliate would be met with even steeper tariffs.

“If the bloc were to raise your Tariffs and retaliate, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added to the 30% that we charge,” Trump wrote.

The message was echoed in nearly two dozen letters sent to leaders across Europe, leaving little doubt about the administration’s position. Trump’s administration has repeatedly framed such tariffs as necessary to correct trade imbalances and protect U.S. industries, a theme that continues to shape his international trade policy.

A Deal or a Rift?

The next few weeks will be critical. With the August 1 deadline looming, both the EU and the U.S. face a narrowing window to strike a compromise that avoids triggering another round of costly tariffs. While rhetoric is hardening, the underlying message from many European voices remains clear: there is still time to reach a deal—if both sides are willing.

Yet, with the EU preparing to revive and possibly expand countermeasures previously placed on hold, the threat of escalation is real. Trade between the U.S. and EU accounts for hundreds of billions in goods and services each year. A tariff-fueled dispute could cause ripple effects across global markets already struggling with uncertainty.

For now, diplomacy remains the preferred path. But with each side drawing red lines, the shadow of a transatlantic trade war once again looms over the negotiating table.

With time ticking and pressure mounting, the transatlantic trade standoff now stands at a decisive crossroads. The European Union’s warning signals more than mere frustration—it reflects a readiness to defend its economic interests against what it views as disproportionate U.S. tariffs. As August 1 approaches without a breakthrough, both sides face a choice: rekindle cooperation through diplomacy or ignite a costly tariff war. Whether calm negotiation prevails or confrontation takes center stage, the outcome will shape the tone of U.S.–EU trade relations for years to come.

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Canada Pulls Plug on Digital Tax in Last-Minute Move to Woo US

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In a sharp and sudden twist, Canada scrapped its Digital Services Tax just hours before its rollout, dodging what could have become a bruising trade battle with the United States. The tax, aimed at tech giants like Amazon and Google, sparked firm objections from Washington, with former President Trump calling it a “deal breaker.” As tensions cooled, trade talks are now set to resume. With global markets watching, this unexpected retreat may unlock a fragile window of economic cooperation—if both sides play their next moves with care.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Canada cancels Digital Services Tax just hours before enforcement deadline.

  • 3% tax would have applied to major U.S. tech firms like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple.

  • Trump threatened tariffs, calling the tax a “blatant attack” on American innovation.

  • U.S. Commerce Secretary welcomes Canada’s decision, markets rally in response.

  • Finance Minister Champagne to introduce repeal legislation in Parliament.

  • Canada emphasizes support for a multilateral digital taxation framework.

  • Canada remains a critical U.S. trade partner, with exports and imports exceeding $760 billion in 2023.

  • Biden administration also challenged the DST on USMCA compliance grounds.

In a last-minute reversal that could reshape the trajectory of North American trade relations, Canada has announced it is abandoning its planned Digital Services Tax (DST) — a move that comes mere hours before the levy was set to take effect on Monday. The sudden policy shift is widely seen as a strategic effort to salvage trade negotiations with the United States, which had reached a boiling point in recent days.

The decision was made public late Sunday night through a statement issued by Canada’s finance ministry. It noted that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump would now resume direct trade talks, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement by July 21. The announcement came after mounting pressure from Washington, which viewed the DST as a direct threat to American tech giants and a possible violation of existing trade obligations under the North American trade framework.

The tax, originally announced in 2020, was designed to ensure that large multinational technology companies generating significant revenue from Canadian users contribute their fair share to the country’s economy. Specifically, it proposed a 3% tax on digital services revenues exceeding $20 million annually, retroactive to 2022. Had it been implemented, the measure would have impacted major U.S.-based firms such as Amazon, Meta, Alphabet’s Google, and Apple.

In recent weeks, the tension surrounding the DST had reached a critical level. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had already paused trade discussions on Friday in response to the proposed tax, did not hold back in his criticism.

“This was a blatant attack on American innovation,” Trump stated, accusing Canada of undermining the principles of free trade. “If this tax went forward, there would have been no deal — not now, not ever.”

Adding to the pressure, Trump declared on Sunday that unless Canada immediately reversed its stance, he would impose a new round of tariffs on Canadian exports within the week — a move that risked plunging bilateral relations into turmoil after a period of relative calm.

Responding to the change, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posted a reaction on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his satisfaction with Canada’s decision.

“Thank you Canada for removing your Digital Services Tax, which was intended to stifle American innovation and would have been a deal breaker for any trade deal with America,” Lutnick wrote.

The policy retreat was also framed by Canadian officials as a practical decision grounded in the broader goal of achieving an international solution. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed that legislation would soon be introduced to repeal the Digital Services Tax Act entirely.

“The DST was originally introduced to address the fact that many large technology companies operating in Canada may not otherwise pay tax on revenues generated from Canadians,” Champagne said in the statement. “However, Canada’s preference has always been a multilateral agreement related to digital services taxation.”

Analysts suggest that while Canada’s DST had noble intentions rooted in tax equity and digital sovereignty, the political cost of maintaining the policy proved too high in the face of U.S. opposition. The United States, after all, remains Canada’s largest trading partner in goods and services — and the stakes of the ongoing negotiations could not be higher.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Canada bought $349.4 billion worth of American goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the U.S., highlighting the deeply intertwined economic relationship between the two nations. Though Canada had managed to escape broad tariffs imposed earlier in April, it still faces steep 50% duties on its steel and aluminum exports to the American market — a point of contention that continues to simmer in the background.

The Biden administration, too, had previously flagged the DST as problematic, formally requesting trade dispute consultations earlier this year. U.S. officials argued that the tax was inconsistent with Canada’s obligations under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), formerly known as NAFTA.

This latest development comes after Carney and Trump met at the G7 summit earlier in the month, where both leaders reportedly agreed to wrap up a new economic agreement within 30 days. Though the meeting had been seen as a signal of cooperation, tensions flared almost immediately afterward when details of Canada’s DST surfaced again.

Now, with the DST effectively shelved and legislation to repeal it on the horizon, diplomatic space has opened once more for constructive dialogue. Wall Street responded positively to the news, with futures reaching record highs Monday morning. The market reaction reflects investor optimism that the renewed talks between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a smoother economic path ahead.

While the final shape of the upcoming trade deal remains unclear, the removal of the DST marks a significant reset in U.S.-Canada relations — one that could determine the contours of North American commerce for years to come.

Canada’s decision to withdraw its Digital Services Tax marks a pivotal shift in its trade diplomacy with the United States. By stepping back from a measure that risked igniting tariff retaliation and diplomatic discord, Canada has chosen negotiation over confrontation. As both nations now return to the table with renewed urgency, the coming weeks will determine whether this tactical retreat fosters a stable trade framework—or merely postpones deeper conflict. For now, the halted tax offers a fragile but welcome pause, opening the door to economic compromise in a high-stakes cross-border relationship.

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