NAIROBI, Kenya – On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The decision, controversial as ever, marks Trump’s second attempt to sever ties with the global health agency, reigniting debates over its role, efficiency, and funding.
Trump wasted no time reigniting his critiques of the WHO, citing its “mishandling” of the COVID-19 pandemic and its alleged “China-centric” bias. “Oooh, that’s a big one,” he quipped while signing the order, hinting at the gravity of the decision.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order directing the US to withdraw from the World Health Organization, a decision that would cut off one of the international aid and disease response group’s largest funding sources trib.al/SPL8cAo
This withdrawal stems from longstanding grievances Trump first aired during the pandemic.
He accused the WHO of political bias and failing to enforce reforms, criticisms echoed in the order, which also called out the “unfairly onerous payments” the US made as the organization’s largest funder.
Under the Biden administration, the US contributed nearly 20pc of the WHO’s $6.8 billion budget in 2023.
However, Trump’s decision raises questions about the financial vacuum this move could leave.
The withdrawal has sparked concern among health experts, who warn of dire consequences for global and domestic public health.
Critics fear that cutting ties with the WHO could undermine efforts to combat infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which rely heavily on international coordination.
While Trump hinted at the possibility of rejoining the WHO under reformed conditions, skepticism abounds. “They wanted us back so badly, so we’ll see what happens,” he said, offering little clarity on the path forward.
The decision also places Trump at odds with his own party. Republican lawmakers have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the move while others worry about the geopolitical and public health implications.
With the WHO facing a funding shortfall and the US grappling with public health challenges, the ripple effects of this decision remain to be seen.
