NEW DELHI: On January 20, 2025, immediately after his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization. This marks the second time in less than five years that the U.S. has taken steps to exit the global health body.
Trump cited concerns over corruption and undue influence from certain nations within the WHO as reasons for the withdrawal. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to reassess its participation in international organizations that do not align with American interests. The move follows Trump’s previous criticism of the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At the time, he accused the organization of mishandling the global health crisis and being influenced by political biases.
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Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump highlighted perceived financial inequities, stating:
“We paid USD 500 million to World Health when I was here, and I terminated it. China, with 1.4 billion people, has 350 dependents… They were paying USD 39 million. We were paying USD 500 million. It seemed a little unfair to me.”
Trump added that although the United States had initially withdrawn from the WHO in 2020, the Biden administration re-entered the organization under the previous funding arrangement.
“They offered me to come back for USD 39 million. In theory, it should be less than that, but, when Biden came back, they came back for USD 500 million,” Trump said.
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The United States has been one of the largest contributors to the WHO, providing significant annual funding. Halting this funding could impact the organization’s ability to carry out global health initiatives, including disease prevention and emergency response efforts.
Health experts warn that the U.S. withdrawal could reverse progress made in combating diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The decision may also weaken global defences against future pandemics, as the WHO relies on member nations’ support for coordinated responses to health crises.
The move has sparked debate within the United States. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that American resources are used effectively and that international organizations are held accountable. Critics contend that disengaging from the WHO could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to global health threats and diminish its influence in international health policy.
WHO leadership expressed hope for continued collaboration with the U.S., while other member nations urged the U.S. to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity in addressing health challenges.
Before it can be finalized, the withdrawal process requires congressional approval and adherence to financial obligations. As the situation develops, stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, are closely monitoring the implications of this significant policy shift.
