President Donald Trump declared the United States would exit the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the agency’s handling of COVID-19 and other global health crises. Trump criticized the WHO for alleged political bias and what he called “unfairly onerous payments” from the U.S., which contributes about 18% of the agency’s $6.8 billion 2024-2025 budget.
“The World Health Organization ripped us off, just like everyone else does. That ends now,” Trump stated during the signing of an executive order formalizing the withdrawal. This move halts U.S. financial support and partnerships with the WHO, reallocating efforts to domestic or alternative international health initiatives.
The U.S. departure, effective in 12 months, threatens WHO programs tackling global health issues like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and emergency disease outbreaks. Trump's order also suspends U.S. negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty and calls for a revision of the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.
Critics warn the decision will undermine global health efforts, as the U.S. has historically been the largest financial supporter. The next-largest donors, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Germany, contribute significantly less.
This move revives Trump's 2020 attempt to leave the WHO, which was blocked by Joe Biden after his election. Trump accused the WHO of aiding China in obscuring COVID-19's origins, a claim the organization denies, emphasizing ongoing efforts to uncover the virus’s source.
The WHO declined to comment on Trump’s announcement. The withdrawal requires a one-year notice and payment of outstanding U.S. fees, estimated at $200 million for 2020-2021.
Trump’s decision marks a significant shift in U.S. global health policy, raising concerns about the future of critical international health programs.