Understanding Trump’s Decision: Why the U.S. Is Leaving the World Health Organization

Donald Trump recently signed an order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). He cited the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed the US was being treated unfairly regarding financial contributions. This signing was part of over 100 orders he signed upon returning to the White House.

So, what does this executive order mean? It suspends future US funding to the WHO, reassigns personnel working with the organization, and instructs officials to find other partners for health initiatives the WHO usually handles. However, for the US to officially leave the WHO, Congress must approve the decision, and the US must fulfill its financial obligations for the current fiscal year. Additionally, there is a one-year notice period before any exit can be finalized.

Trump’s order criticizes the WHO’s approach to the pandemic. He accused the organization of failing to implement necessary reforms and of being influenced by political pressure from its member states. He also highlighted perceived payment disparities, noting that China, with a much larger population, contributes significantly less to the WHO than the US.

This isn’t Trump’s first attempt to withdraw from the WHO. In July 2020, he took steps to exit the organization, claiming it was “colluding” with China to downplay the coronavirus outbreak’s severity. However, President Biden reversed this decision on his first day in office in 2021.

The WHO, which joined the United Nations in 1948, is tasked with coordinating global health responses, such as outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and polio. It offers technical support to poorer countries, aids in vaccine distribution, and sets health guidelines but does not have the authority to force countries to comply with its recommendations.

The potential consequences of the US withdrawal could be significant. Historically, the US has been one of the largest financial contributors to the WHO, providing between $160 million and $815 million annually. Losing that support could hinder global health initiatives and make it more challenging to combat future pandemics.

Experts have warned that pulling out of the WHO may weaken global health defenses. They argue that preventing diseases requires cooperation, not abandonment. Leaders in public health believe that America’s withdrawal would reduce its influence in global health decisions and potentially lead to more outbreaks of infectious diseases.

In response to the announcement, the WHO expressed regret. They highlighted the importance of their collaboration with the US over the decades, noting joint achievements like the near-eradication of polio. The organization hopes the US will reconsider its decision and emphasizes the need for continued dialogue to maintain a beneficial partnership for global health.

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