President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order formally withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the organization’s handling of global health crises, as well as its relationship with China.
In a statement released alongside the executive order, President Trump explained the rationale behind the decision: "The WHO has shown consistent failure in addressing key global health threats, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Their deference to China and lack of transparency has undermined trust in international health governance and delayed timely responses to global health crises."
Trump's administration has long been critical of the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 outbreak, accusing the organization of downplaying the severity of the pandemic in its early stages and failing to hold China accountable for its role in the spread of the virus. The U.S. President has previously suspended American funding to the WHO in 2020 and warned that the United States would reconsider its participation in the organization unless significant reforms were made.
The executive order also outlines specific steps for the U.S. to begin severing ties with the WHO, including halting all financial contributions and ceasing participation in ongoing WHO-led initiatives. The order stipulates that the U.S. will shift its focus to supporting domestic health initiatives and partnerships with other international bodies that align more closely with U.S. interests.
“America must prioritize the health and safety of its citizens, and that begins with being more selective about international organizations we engage with,” Trump continued. “This is not a decision made lightly, but one that reflects the need for more accountability, transparency, and fairness in global health governance."