President Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO, citing COVID-19 mismanagement and financial burden. The exit, set for 12 months, will halt US funding, sparking global concerns.

In a significant policy shift, Donald Trump, after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, to formally withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The decision was justified on grounds of the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its alleged failure to implement necessary reforms, and what Trump described as "unfair financial burdens" on the US compared to other member states, particularly China.
Reasons for Withdrawal
- In the executive order, Trump asserted that:
- "The World Health Organization mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to adopt urgently needed reforms."
- The US contributes disproportionately, while "China pays significantly less."
- The WHO imposes "unfair financial obligations" on the US, which Trump stated was "ripping us off."
Timeline and Financial Impact
- According to reports from The Guardian, the withdrawal process will take 12 months, during which the US will cease all financial contributions to the organization.
- The US, being the largest contributor, currently provides approximately 18% of WHO’s total funding, which is crucial for many of its global health programs.
- WHO’s budget for 2024-2025 is estimated at $6.8 billion, with the next-largest contributors being the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, followed by organizations like Gavi, the European Commission, and the World Bank.
- The largest national donor after the US is Germany, which contributes around 3% of WHO's budget.
Global Reaction and Criticism
- The withdrawal announcement has sparked widespread criticism from global health experts and officials.
- Former WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan described the move as "a regressive step for global health," warning that it would hamper the US's ability to influence global health policies and access critical data.
- The decision is not unprecedented, as Trump had previously attempted to pull out of the WHO during his first term in 2020, alleging that the organization aided China in "misleading the world" about the origins of COVID-19.
- However, the withdrawal was halted when Joe Biden assumed office and rejoined the WHO on his first day in office in 2021.
Impact on Global Health Programs
- According to Reuters, the US withdrawal could jeopardize several key WHO programs, particularly those aimed at combating:
- Tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and other major health emergencies.
- The administration's order also instructs the cessation of negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty and the withdrawal of US personnel working with the WHO.
WHO's Response
- In response, the WHO expressed regret over the US's decision, stating that:
- "WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease and responding to health emergencies in dangerous regions."
- WHO further highlighted that the US has been a founding member since 1948, actively participating in shaping its policies.
- "For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans from global health threats," the organization stated.
- The agency urged the US to reconsider its decision and engage in "constructive dialogue" to maintain their long-standing partnership.
Future Outlook
The withdrawal process is expected to have far-reaching consequences on global health initiatives, with experts emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle ongoing and future health challenges.
Source: Financial Express