On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), signaling a dramatic shift in global health diplomacy. Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump criticized the UN health agency for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged favoritism toward China. “The United States has been paying far more to the WHO compared to China, and it’s time we put an end to that,” Trump stated.
The United States, historically the largest financial contributor to the Geneva-based organization, has provided critical support to the WHO’s operations. The withdrawal is expected to prompt significant restructuring within the organization and disrupt key global health initiatives.
Trump’s executive order instructed federal agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.” This move builds on Trump’s first-term criticism of the WHO, which he accused of being overly influenced by China during the initial stages of the pandemic. His earlier attempt to withdraw was reversed by former President Joe Biden, who restored U.S. membership and funding in 2021.
Additionally, Trump’s administration announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which was designed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. According to the executive order, the review will commence “as soon as practicable.”
The timing of this decision coincides with mounting global concerns over the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has infected dozens and claimed one life in the United States, raising fears of another potential pandemic.
Meanwhile, WHO member states have been negotiating the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response since late 2021. The U.S. withdrawal may complicate these efforts, as the treaty aims to strengthen global health coordination amid emerging threats.
