Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization

On Monday night, President Donald Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), reigniting a controversial decision previously attempted during his first term.

The move comes as part of Trump’s broader criticism of the Geneva-based organization, which he accuses of mismanaging global health crises and being overly influenced by China.

Historically, the U.S. has been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, accounting for about 20% of its 2023 budget, or approximately $1.28 billion. These funds have supported efforts to combat global health emergencies, prevent disease spread across borders, and bolster health security worldwide.

In his order, Trump criticized the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the organization of being “China-centric” and imposing “onerous” financial demands on the United States.

This decision echoes Trump’s 2020 attempt to withdraw from the organization, which was reversed by former President Joe Biden upon taking office in 2021. Biden not only halted the withdrawal but also restored U.S. funding to the WHO.

Public health experts have expressed significant concern over the withdrawal. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, warned that the move would hinder the U.S.’s ability to access critical resources, such as global infectious disease data, and reduce situational awareness of emerging health threats.

Adalja also noted that crucial reforms within the WHO, including pressure on China for transparency regarding COVID-19’s origins and the inclusion of Taiwan in the organization, are less likely to progress without U.S. membership.

The decision has drawn criticism for potentially weakening global health security at a time when cooperation is essential to address cross-border health threats.

Experts fear that without U.S. participation, the WHO’s ability to respond effectively to health crises will be diminished, potentially jeopardizing worldwide efforts to prevent future pandemics.

Trump’s withdrawal marks a significant shift in U.S. global health policy, raising questions about the nation’s future role in combating infectious diseases and participating in international health initiatives.