Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw U.S. Membership from the World Health Organization

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on Monday directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

This decision, announced during a White House briefing shortly after Trump’s inauguration, follows a pattern of criticism from the former president, who has frequently accused the UN health agency of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and favoring China.

“The World Health Organization ripped us off,” Trump declared, pointing to the disparity in funding between the U.S. and China. As the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, the U.S. provides significant financial support, which plays a critical role in sustaining the WHO’s global health initiatives.

Trump’s remarks reignited the argument he first made during his previous term, when he issued a notice of intent to withdraw in 2020. That move was later reversed by former President Joe Biden, who reinstated U.S. membership and financial contributions shortly after taking office.

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The newly signed order halts all future U.S. government funding, resources, and support to the WHO. It also instructs federal agencies to identify alternative domestic and international partners capable of taking on responsibilities previously managed by the organization.

Additionally, the Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which was designed to bolster the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.

This withdrawal comes at a critical moment. The world is on high alert due to a concerning bird flu outbreak (H5N1), which has already infected dozens and claimed one life in the U.S. alone.

Meanwhile, WHO member states are in the midst of negotiating the first global treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response—discussions that will now proceed without U.S. participation.

The U.S.’s departure is expected to have wide-reaching consequences for global health. Without American funding and leadership, the WHO may face significant financial and operational challenges, potentially disrupting critical health initiatives worldwide.

Furthermore, this decision could hinder ongoing international efforts to address pressing global health crises, from pandemic preparedness to vaccine distribution.