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President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization, an entity he has consistently criticized for its management of the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump remarked that the U.S. was contributing significantly more to the UN organization than China, stating, “World Health ripped us off.”
As the largest contributor to the Geneva-based agency, the U.S. provides crucial financial support essential for the WHO’s operations. This withdrawal is anticipated to lead to a major restructuring of the organization and could further hinder global health efforts.
This is the second occasion Trump has attempted to cut ties with the WHO.
During his first term, the U.S. issued a notice of intent to withdraw, alleging that the organization was excessively influenced by China during the early phases of the pandemic. That decision was later reversed by the administration of former President Joe Biden.
In his latest executive order, Trump instructed agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to take over necessary activities previously conducted by the WHO.”
The administration also revealed plans to review and revoke Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, “as soon as practicable.”
The timing of the U.S. withdrawal coincides with growing concerns regarding the pandemic potential of the current bird flu outbreak (H5N1), which has infected several individuals and resulted in one death in the United States.
Meanwhile, WHO member states have been engaged in discussions to establish the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response since late 2021—negotiations that will now continue without U.S. involvement.
