Trump Orders US Withdrawal from World Health Organization

In a move that has stirred global attention, President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the agency of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.

Speaking shortly after his second-term inauguration, Trump criticized the WHO for failing to act independently and succumbing to political influences from member states. He also slammed the agency for what he described as "unfairly burdensome payments" by the US, which contributed nearly 18% of the WHO's funding in its 2024-2025 budget of $6.8 billion.

"World Health ripped us off, just like everybody else. It's not going to happen anymore," Trump declared while signing the executive order to formalize the withdrawal.

Impact on Global Health

The US, WHO's largest financial backer, will stop funding and sever ties over the next 12 months, leaving a significant gap in the agency's resources. Experts warn that this decision could jeopardize critical health programs, including those combating tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and global health emergencies.

The withdrawal also halts US involvement in the ongoing pandemic treaty negotiations and redirects American personnel working with WHO. The administration plans to find alternative partners to maintain necessary global health initiatives.

Global Reactions

While the WHO has not yet commented on the development, global donors like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Germany may need to increase their contributions to fill the void. Germany, the second-largest national donor, provides only 3% of the WHO's funding, a stark contrast to the US's contributions.

This isn’t the first time Trump has moved to cut ties with the WHO. In 2020, during his first term, he accused the organization of aiding China's efforts to obscure COVID-19's origins. Though that withdrawal was halted when Joe Biden took office, this time, Trump's administration appears resolute.

Under US law, a one-year notice period and payment of outstanding dues are required for withdrawal. It remains to be seen how the global health community will adapt to this seismic shift in international health cooperation.

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