U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, officially announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trump criticized the global health agency for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and for succumbing to political pressure from member states.
In remarks following the signing, Trump slammed the WHO for accepting “inappropriate political influence” and for imposing “unfairly onerous payments” on the U.S., which he argued contributed far more than other large nations.
“World Health (Organization) ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said, framing the decision as a way to protect U.S. interests.
The withdrawal, effective in 12 months, will halt U.S. financial contributions to the WHO, which currently receives around 18% of its funding from the U.S. In its latest budget, the WHO has allocated $6.8 billion for 2024-2025. Experts warn that this departure could jeopardize key health programs, including efforts to combat tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other health crises.
Trump’s order also halts U.S. negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty, and calls for the reassignment of U.S. personnel working with the agency. The administration will review and likely revise the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, according to the order.
The WHO’s largest non-governmental donors include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the global vaccine group Gavi. Germany is the second-largest national contributor, providing about 3% of the organization’s funding.
Trump’s move to exit the WHO is not new. In 2020, he initiated steps to leave, accusing the agency of being complicit in China’s handling of the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. The WHO has consistently denied those claims, stating that it has pressured China for transparency in investigating the virus’s origins.
Although Trump’s 2020 attempt to withdraw was halted by President Joe Biden on his first day in office, this latest action signals a firm commitment to pulling out. Under U.S. law, a one-year notice is required for withdrawal, alongside the settlement of any outstanding dues.
