- Trump signs order for US to withdraw from WHO
- Second attempt to leave the organisation but this time its more likely
- Trump cites China’s influence, handling of pandemic and unfair US payments made to the WHO
Trump signs order to withdraw US from World Health Organization
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move revives his previous efforts to leave the global health agency, which President Joe Biden had reversed during his tenure. But carrying out this executive action on day one makes it more likely the US will formally leave the global agency.
The order said the US was withdrawing “due to the organization’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states”.
The executive order also said the withdrawal was the result of “unfairly onerous payments” the US made to the WHO, which is part of the United Nations.
The US has historically been the largest contributor to the WHO, funding nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion annual budget. Trump’s withdrawal order could have significant implications for the global health agency’s future.
While Trump hinted at a potential return, he emphasised the need for substantial reforms within the WHO. Public health experts have been critical of the plans, warning there could be consequences for Americans’ health. For now, the US is set to begin the formal process of leaving the Geneva-based institution.