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US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). He criticised the organisation’s handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and accused it of failing to remain politically independent.
This is the second time Trump has moved to cut ties with the WHO. In 2020, he began a similar withdrawal process, claiming the WHO had mismanaged the pandemic and failed to implement reforms. He also called the financial contributions demanded from the US unfair compared to other nations.
Trump highlighted that China, with a population much larger than the US, contributes far less financially to the WHO.
As part of the executive order, Trump has revoked actions taken by the previous administration to re-engage with the WHO. He directed government agencies to stop funding the organisation and find alternative global health partners.
The Secretary of State has been instructed to inform the United Nations and WHO leadership about the decision. Additionally, US personnel working with the WHO will be recalled.
Trump stated that this decision aims to protect public health and strengthen US biosecurity. The order also calls for the review and replacement of the 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy to reflect these changes.
