Trump’s Plan to Withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization: What You Need to Know and How It Could Impact Global Health

President Donald Trump has started the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) again. This decision has sparked worry among experts about its impact on global health, particularly in fighting diseases like AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

During his first appearance back in the Oval Office, Trump signed an executive order outlining how the U.S. might pull away from WHO. He even exclaimed, “That’s a big one!” when handed the document to sign. This order pauses U.S. funding to WHO and calls for the reassignment of federal workers involved with the organization.

This isn’t the first attempt Trump has made to withdraw. In July 2020, shortly after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, he announced plans to cut ties with WHO. However, President Joe Biden reversed this decision on his first day in office in January 2021—only for Trump to bring it back to the table as he resumed his presidential duties.

What is WHO?

WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, coordinates responses to global health threats. It helps manage outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and polio, provides support to lower-income countries, and sets health guidelines. Losing the U.S.—one of its largest donors—could significantly harm WHO’s ability to respond to health emergencies worldwide.

Experts warn that withdrawing could lead to less effective monitoring of diseases and greater risks for future pandemics. Lawrence Gostin from Georgetown University stated that this action would weaken the global health infrastructure that relies on U.S. resources.

Can Trump really pull the U.S. out of WHO?

Yes, Trump can proceed with withdrawal as long as he has Congress’s approval. The U.S. joined WHO by a congressional resolution in 1948, which requires a one-year notice before leaving. This means the withdrawal process is not instantaneous. However, if the U.S. does not meet its financial commitments, it could complicate the situation.

The Impact of U.S. Withdrawal

Pulling out of WHO would be a significant blow. Historically, the U.S. has contributed hundreds of millions annually to the organization, funding initiatives like polio eradication and global vaccination efforts. The U.S. also provides essential personnel with expertise in public health. Without this support, many important health projects could falter, making the world less safe.

Trump’s Reasons for Withdrawal

At a recent campaign rally, Trump claimed he would tackle what he sees as corruption within WHO and its perceived ties to China. He criticized the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting it failed to act independently and adequately addressed emerging health issues.

WHO has faced scrutiny during the pandemic, including criticism for its early advice against mask-wearing and its slow acknowledgment that COVID-19 spreads through the air. Additionally, the organization has been marred by a scandal concerning sexual abuses by health responders in the Congo, which created further distrust.

What Does WHO Say?

In response to the withdrawal announcement, WHO expressed regret and hopes for a reconsideration of the decision. The organization noted that the U.S. has played a crucial role in global health for over 70 years, helping to eliminate diseases like smallpox and advancing many health initiatives worldwide.

With the U.S. comprising a significant chunk of WHO’s budget, its departure could lead to severe consequences for global health efforts.