President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, hours after his inauguration, formally initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump cited concerns over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged financial disparities between U.S. and Chinese contributions to the UN body.
“World Health ripped us off,” Trump stated during his address at the White House, emphasizing that the U.S. has been paying significantly more than China while, in his view, receiving inadequate benefits.
U.S. Withdrawal and Its Implications
The United States, as the WHO’s largest donor, has historically provided substantial financial support critical to the organization’s operations. The decision to withdraw is expected to:
- Disrupt global health initiatives by creating a significant funding gap.
- Trigger a restructuring of the WHO’s programs and activities.
- Leave WHO member states negotiating the pandemic prevention treaty without U.S. involvement.
Directives in the Executive Order
The order outlines several immediate actions:
- Halting U.S. financial contributions to the WHO, with agencies instructed to pause future transfers of funds or resources.
- Identifying alternative global health partners to undertake activities previously supported by the WHO.
- Reviewing and rescinding the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, implemented under the Biden administration, which focused on preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats.
A Renewed Attempt to Exit
This marks the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, he accused the organization of being overly influenced by China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the U.S. rejoined the WHO under President Joe Biden, who reversed Trump’s initial withdrawal notice.
Concerns Amid New Health Threats
The withdrawal comes amid heightened fears of a potential pandemic caused by the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has infected dozens and resulted in at least one death in the United States. Experts worry that severing ties with the WHO could hinder international coordination in addressing emerging health crises.
Reaction and Next Steps
While Trump’s decision aligns with his administration’s push for a “pro-America” approach to global health, critics argue it may weaken the global response to infectious diseases and diminish U.S. influence in international health governance.
Meanwhile, WHO member states are expected to continue negotiations on the pandemic prevention treaty, now without U.S. input.
Conclusion
Trump’s executive order signals a significant shift in U.S. global health policy, reflecting his administration’s skepticism toward multilateral institutions. As the world navigates ongoing and future health challenges, the absence of U.S. support and leadership at the WHO will likely have far-reaching consequences for global health initiatives.
