Trump Announces U.S. Exit from the World Health Organization

NEW YORK, JAN 20 – President Donald Trump announced that the United States would officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over the organization’s governance, Trump signed an executive order to initiate the country’s departure from the global health agency. This decision, which follows a history of strained relations between the Trump administration and the WHO, is set to have significant implications for global health initiatives.

Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

Trump justified his decision by accusing the WHO of failing to act independently from certain member states and of imposing an unfair financial burden on the United States. According to Trump, the organization has been heavily influenced by political agendas, particularly from China, while neglecting its core responsibilities.

“The World Health Organization has taken advantage of the United States for too long. This ends now,” Trump declared during the executive order signing ceremony. He also criticized the financial contributions required from the U.S., which he claimed were disproportionately high compared to other nations, including China.

The United States has historically been the largest financial backer of the WHO, contributing approximately 18% of its total budget. The organization’s most recent budget, spanning 2024-2025, amounts to $6.8 billion. The withdrawal will halt all U.S. funding to the WHO within a year, potentially impacting key programs targeting global health issues such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases.

International Reactions and Concerns

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. While the WHO has issued a formal response regarding the U.S. withdrawal, other nations, including China, have voiced their concerns. A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry emphasized the importance of strengthening the WHO rather than weakening it.

A spokesperson affirmed China’s commitment to backing the WHO, emphasizing its dedication to strengthening global health efforts and enhancing international collaboration on public health matters.

Global health experts have raised alarms over the potential consequences of the U.S. exit. The move could jeopardize critical programs, including efforts to combat tuberculosis, the world’s leading infectious disease killer, and ongoing initiatives to address HIV/AIDS and health emergencies. Additionally, the withdrawal might slow down progress on the WHO’s pandemic treaty, which aims to improve international preparedness for future health crises.

Trump’s order also instructed U.S. government personnel working with the WHO to return to domestic assignments. Simultaneously, the administration announced its plans to review and replace the existing U.S. Global Health Security Strategy to ensure alignment with its new policy direction.

Historical Context and Broader Implications

Trump’s decision to leave the WHO is consistent with his administration’s previous actions. In 2020, he made similar moves during his first term, accusing the organization of aiding China in covering up the origins of COVID-19. Although the withdrawal process began then, it was reversed when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021.

Under current U.S. law, withdrawing from the WHO requires a one-year notice and the settlement of any outstanding financial obligations. As a result, the U.S. will remain a member of the organization until January 2026 unless future leadership reverses the decision again.

Critics of the withdrawal warn that it could diminish America’s influence in global health governance and weaken the WHO’s capacity to address worldwide health challenges. They also point out that other major donors, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Commission, will not be able to fully compensate for the loss of U.S. contributions.

Moving forward, the global health community will need to adapt to this new reality, finding alternative ways to fund and sustain vital programs. Meanwhile, debates over the role and effectiveness of the WHO in addressing international health crises are likely to continue, with the U.S. withdrawal serving as a pivotal moment in the organization’s history.