Trump to Withdraw US From World Health Organization

January 21, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision that drew criticism from public health experts and international organizations.

In the order, Trump cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its “failure to adopt urgently needed reforms,” and its “inability to demonstrate independence from inappropriate political influence by WHO member states.” He also referenced U.S. contributions to the agency, which account for 22% of WHO’s assessed dues.

The executive order tasks Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the director of the Office of Management and Budget with halting future transfers of U.S. government funds, support or resources to WHO. It also directs them to recall or reassign any U.S. government personnel or contractors currently working with the organization.

Trump previously attempted to withdraw the U.S. from WHO in July 2020, but that effort was reversed by the Biden administration.

Public health experts warned that the withdrawal could disrupt international responses to emerging health threats and weaken global health programs. Since its founding in 1948, WHO has collaborated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to public health threats like COVID-19, Ebola virus, HIV/AIDS and malaria.

In a statement released Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Trump to reconsider and emphasized U.S. contributions to global health. “We look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” the organization said.