President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) for a second time. He cited the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, alleged political bias, and its failure to make necessary reforms as reasons for this decision.
This action comes shortly after Trump took office again. During his previous term, he had begun the pulling out process but did not complete it. Former President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s decision when he took office in 2021 and restored U.S. funding to the WHO.
The United States has been a key supporter of WHO since it was founded in 1948. The agency plays an essential role in global health, focusing on emergencies and disease responses. Health experts are concerned that withdrawing will isolate the U.S. and hinder cooperation on health crises globally.
Trump’s executive order states that the withdrawal is a response to WHO’s handling of the pandemic, criticisms about its independence from political influences, and financial burdens that the U.S. shouldered compared to other members. Currently, the U.S. contributes around 20% of WHO’s budget, which totals $6.8 billion this year.
WHO’s traditions and constitution make the withdrawal process complex. There is no definitive procedure for member states to exit. However, U.S. law stipulates that the nation must fulfill its financial obligations for the current fiscal year before completely withdrawing. The consequences of this withdrawal could severely limit future U.S. involvement with global health efforts.
Health professionals have voiced alarm over Trump’s decision. They believe it poses significant risks not only to U.S. health but also to global health security. Experts like Dr. Ashish Jha and Lawrence Gostin argue that this move could leave America less safe and more vulnerable to future health crises. They point out that collaboration with the WHO has been crucial in tackling outbreaks, from polio to HIV/AIDS.
This shift may result in the U.S. being sidelined in future health emergencies, which could have serious implications for global responses to emerging diseases. The potential for increased pandemic threats, like new flu strains or viral outbreaks, raises concerns about how America will navigate future health challenges without organizations like the WHO.
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