Donald Trump Signs Order for US to Exit World Health Organization

President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the US to withdraw from the WHO, cutting off significant funding for the organization. The decision stems from criticisms of the WHO's handling of the pandemic and could weaken global health efforts, although legal and political hurdles remain.

On January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), one of the largest international health bodies. The decision will cut off a significant funding source for the WHO, which has been vital in battling global health crises, including infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.

In the 2024-25 budget cycle, the US contributed $662 million, representing 19% of WHO’s total revenue. Trump’s exit order follows his previous criticism of the WHO’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its initial response in collaboration with China. He argued that the organization was too lenient towards China, delaying action and contributing to the global spread of the virus.

Trump’s decision to pull out of the WHO is controversial, with health advocates and Democratic lawmakers condemning it as a political move to deflect blame for the administration's poor pandemic response. The WHO, based in Geneva, plays an essential role in fighting global health challenges, including diseases such as HIV, polio, and cholera.

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The US’s withdrawal could deal a severe blow to the WHO’s operations, which has historically been instrumental in eradicating smallpox and addressing numerous public health emergencies. However, Trump's move faces legal and political challenges. According to the 2020 Congressional Research Service report, it remains unclear whether the president has the authority to exit the organization without Congress’s approval.