US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking his second attempt to leave the global health body.
The decision follows Trump’s longstanding criticism of the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and its perceived bias toward China. The executive order cites the organization’s “mishandling” of global health crises, “failure to implement needed reforms,” and “unfair financial burdens” on the US as reasons for withdrawal.
Trump’s move reverses the Biden administration’s reinstatement of US membership in the WHO, which occurred after Trump’s initial withdrawal attempt during the pandemic.
The US, historically the WHO’s largest contributor, provided nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion annual budget in 2023. Critics, including public health experts, warn that leaving the WHO could undermine global health initiatives and harm US leadership in scientific and health advancements.
Trump hinted at the possibility of future re-engagement, stating, “They wanted us back so badly, so we’ll see what happens.”
