President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the media at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump accused the WHO of mismanagement, stating, “World Health ripped us off,” and highlighted the U.S. as the largest contributor to the Geneva-based body, paying far more than China.
The U.S. withdrawal will disrupt WHO operations and could lead to a significant restructuring of the organization, potentially affecting global health initiatives. This move marks the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO. His administration had previously issued a notice to withdraw during his first term, citing the organization’s excessive influence from China, but that decision was reversed under President Joe Biden.
In the new executive order, Trump directed U.S. agencies to halt any future funding or resources to the WHO and tasked them with identifying alternative partners to take over activities previously carried out by the organization. The administration also plans to review and potentially rescind Biden’s 2024 Global Health Security Strategy aimed at combating infectious disease threats.
The timing of the U.S. exit is noteworthy, as concerns grow over the potential pandemic risks posed by the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the U.S., which has infected multiple people and led to one death.
Meanwhile, WHO member states are negotiating the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness, a process that will now continue without U.S. involvement.