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Jan 22, 2025, 13:29

President Trump has announced U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

On January 20th 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The decision, made on his first day back in the White House, was driven by his longstanding criticism of the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to implement reforms, and the financial burden placed on the U.S. compared to other member states, particularly China.

President Trump

In his executive order, President Trump pointed to the WHO’s lack of independence from political influences and its failure to address critical issues in global health, particularly its handling of the pandemic.

President Trump also reaffirmed his view that the U.S. was unfairly contributing a disproportionately large share of the WHO’s funding.

This move is a follow-up to President Trump’s previous attempt in 2020 to withdraw from the WHO.

Although the plan was halted after he lost the 2020 election, he revived it on his return to office.

Public health experts have expressed concern that the withdrawal will undermine the U.S.’s position as a global health leader and make it more difficult to address future health crises effectively.

The withdrawal process will take up to a year to complete, and the U.S. is still obligated to fulfill its financial commitments to the WHO during that time.

Experts, including public health law professor Lawrence O. Gostin of Georgetown University, warned that President Trump’s decision could have significant consequences for both global health and national security.

The WHO, which was founded in 1948 with the help of the U.S., has played a vital role in responding to health emergencies worldwide, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, and Zika.

As the global health organization continues to coordinate efforts for international disease control, President Trump’s decision to withdraw raises serious questions about the future of U.S. involvement in global health governance.

About WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its primary mission is to promote global health, safeguard the world’s populations, and provide support to vulnerable groups. WHO works in partnership with governments, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to improve health outcomes worldwide.

Its efforts span a wide range of health issues, from infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases to health system strengthening and emergency response. By setting global health standards, conducting research, offering technical assistance, and providing policy guidance, WHO strives to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live, can achieve the highest possible level of health. Through these efforts, the organization plays a central role in shaping global health priorities and responding to emerging health threats.

President Trump has announced U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization