In the new executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to halt the transfer of U.S. government funds, resources, or support to the WHO and instead identify credible domestic and international partners to assume the responsibilities previously undertaken by the organization.
Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), reigniting a controversy over the nation’s role in global health initiatives.
The decision comes after repeated criticism of the UN body’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump accused the WHO of favoritism toward China and claimed the United States has been overpaying compared to other countries. “World Health ripped us off,” he stated.
As the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, the U.S. has provided substantial financial support vital to the WHO’s operations. The withdrawal is expected to force a significant restructuring within the organization and disrupt ongoing global health programs.
This is not the first time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, his administration issued a notice of intent to withdraw, citing the organization’s alleged undue influence by China during the pandemic’s early stages. That decision was later reversed by former President Joe Biden, who reinstated U.S. membership and funding.
In the new executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to halt the transfer of U.S. government funds, resources, or support to the WHO and instead identify credible domestic and international partners to assume the responsibilities previously undertaken by the organization.
The administration also announced plans to dismantle Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, a framework designed to address global health threats, as soon as possible.
The withdrawal comes amid growing concerns over the pandemic potential of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has already infected dozens and claimed one life in the United States.
Meanwhile, WHO member states continue negotiating the first-ever treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The talks, ongoing since 2021, will now proceed without U.S. participation, further straining international efforts to strengthen global health security.
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