Trump wants US out of World Health Organization
Upon returning to the White House, Trump approved the order as he finalized one of several executive actions on his first day back in office.
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Newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Upon returning to the White House, Trump approved the order, as he finalized one of several executive actions on his first day back in office.
This marks the second instance of Trump directing the US to exit the WHO. During his previous term, he criticized the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and began the withdrawal process, which was later reversed by President Joe Biden.
By prioritizing this action on day one, the likelihood of a formal US departure from the WHO increases significantly.
The executive order cites multiple reasons for the withdrawal, including dissatisfaction with the WHO’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, concerns over political influence from member states, and what it describes as a failure to implement necessary reforms. It also criticizes what the administration deems as excessive financial contributions from the US to the WHO, an entity under the United Nations.
During his first term, Trump accused the WHO of being overly aligned with China in its handling of the pandemic, expressing concerns that the organization had not maintained neutrality in guiding global health responses.
Under Biden’s leadership, the US remained the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing nearly 20% of its total budget in 2023. The organization's annual budget stands at approximately $6.8 billion (£5.5 billion).
With the US now moving toward withdrawal, there is uncertainty over whether other nations will compensate for the potential funding shortfall. A reduction in US financial support could impact the WHO’s ability to respond to global health crises such as Ebola, MPOX, and future pandemics.
Experts in public health warn that leaving the WHO could also have consequences for domestic health efforts, particularly in combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS.
While there are few apparent benefits to this move, some proponents believe it could pressure the WHO into reforms that make it more effective in addressing public health needs. If such changes occur, they could potentially incentivize a future US return. However, based on Washington’s current stance, this latest withdrawal appears more resolute than the first.