Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), potentially cutting off one of the organization’s largest funding sources. The move, announced Monday during a series of executive actions signed in the Oval Office, has raised questions about the future of the Geneva-based health agency.
“This is a significant one,” Trump remarked as he signed the order.
The WHO, known for its critical role in addressing global health crises and chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease, may face substantial financial challenges if the US exits. The US contributed $662 million during the 2024-25 budget cycle, accounting for approximately 19% of the agency’s total revenue, according to WHO data.
Trump’s Longstanding Criticism of the WHO
This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted the international health body. During his first term, he criticized the WHO for its handling of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing it of favoring China and failing to act swiftly. While Trump initially announced plans to leave the organization, the effort was reversed by President Joe Biden in January 2021, before the one-year withdrawal notice period expired.
Critics argue that Trump’s renewed push is politically motivated, aiming to divert attention from previous missteps in pandemic management. Health experts and Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns, warning that a US departure could hinder global efforts to combat diseases such as HIV, polio, and emerging outbreaks like Marburg virus, dengue, and cholera.
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Legal and Political Uncertainty
The legal authority of a president to unilaterally withdraw the US from the WHO remains unclear. A 2020 Congressional Research Service report highlighted this ambiguity, though the current Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to challenge Trump’s decision.
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A US exit would deliver a severe financial blow to the WHO, which has played a pivotal role in global health milestones, including the eradication of smallpox. The organization continues to respond to ongoing health emergencies worldwide, making the potential withdrawal a cause for international concern.
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