Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from World Health
Organization
President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the United
States will formally withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing
allegations of mismanagement, political bias, and unfair financial demands. The
announcement follows a long history of Trump’s criticism of the global health
agency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“World Health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United
States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump stated during the signing of
an executive order initiating the withdrawal. He accused the WHO of failing to
act independently from certain member states’ political influence and criticized
the financial contributions required from the U.S., which he claims are
disproportionately high compared to nations like China.
This decision revisits Trump’s earlier efforts to cut ties
with the WHO during his first term, a move reversed by President Joe Biden in
January 2021. Trump has consistently accused the organization of enabling China
to obscure the origins of COVID-19, undermining global health transparency.
Under U.S. law, the withdrawal process entails a one-year
notice period and settling any outstanding financial obligations. The U.S., a
major contributor to the WHO, had previously suspended funding during Trump’s
first term, withholding nearly $200 million during a critical stage of the
pandemic response.
The WHO has denied allegations of bias and mismanagement,
emphasizing its commitment to transparency and ongoing investigations into the
origins of COVID-19. The organization continues to stress the importance of
international collaboration to address global health challenges.
Trump’s decision has faced backlash from public health
experts and international allies, who warn that the withdrawal could weaken
global efforts to combat pandemics and other health emergencies. Critics argue
it may also erode U.S. influence on international health policies at a critical
juncture for global cooperation.
Unless reversed by Congress or a future administration, the
withdrawal process will take effect over the next year.
