The United States will leave the World Health Organization (WHO), former President Donald Trump announced, citing alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and political influence from member states. Trump criticized the WHO for “unfair payments” by the U.S. and claimed it failed to act independently. “World Health ripped us off, and it’s not going to happen anymore,” he said during the signing of an executive order following his second-term inauguration.
The move halts U.S. financial contributions, which account for 18% of WHO’s $6.8 billion 2024-2025 budget. Experts warn this could jeopardize programs for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and global health emergencies. Under U.S. law, the exit will take effect in 12 months, and all negotiations, including the WHO pandemic treaty, will cease during this period.
U.S. personnel working with the WHO will be reassigned, and the administration will seek partners to take over WHO functions. The government also plans to overhaul the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.
The U.S. previously attempted to withdraw from the WHO in 2020, accusing the agency of aiding China in covering up COVID-19’s origins—an allegation the WHO denies. Trump had suspended U.S. contributions, cutting $200 million in funding during the pandemic.
The next-largest donors, including the Gates Foundation, Gavi, and Germany, may need to fill the gap left by the U.S. exit. The WHO has not responded to the announcement.
The withdrawal, similar to Trump’s 2020 attempt, could be reversed by a future administration, as Joe Biden did in 2021 upon taking office.
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