Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw U.S. from WHO
On Monday, just hours after his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), an organization he has repeatedly criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the White House, Trump argued that the U.S. contributed significantly more funding to the WHO than China, stating, “World Health ripped us off.”
As the WHO’s largest financial contributor, the United States plays a crucial role in supporting the agency’s global health initiatives. Its withdrawal is expected to cause a major restructuring within the organization and disrupt ongoing international health programs.
Second Attempt to Leave WHO
This marks the second time Trump has moved to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, his administration issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the WHO of being too influenced by China during the early stages of the pandemic. However, this decision was later reversed by former President Joe Biden.
New Policy Directives
Under the latest executive order, U.S. agencies have been instructed to:
• Cease all future financial contributions and resource transfers to the WHO.
• Identify alternative international partners to take over key global health initiatives previously supported by the U.S.
• Review and dismantle Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to enhance pandemic preparedness.
Impact on Global Health Efforts
The timing of the U.S. withdrawal raises concerns, especially amid growing fears over the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has already resulted in several infections and one fatality in the United States.
Meanwhile, WHO member states have been negotiating a global pandemic treaty since 2021, aimed at strengthening worldwide cooperation on pandemic preparedness and response. With the U.S. now exiting, these discussions will continue without its involvement.
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