President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time, fulfilling a campaign promise to reject global institutions. This move follows his previous attempt to leave during the COVID-19 pandemic, a process interrupted by legal and logistical issues. Trump’s decision cites WHO’s mishandling of the pandemic and its failure to reform, as well as the U.S. financial burden in supporting the agency. The U.S. has historically been the largest contributor to WHO’s budget, funding nearly 20% of its operations.
WHO, which has played a crucial role in global health since its creation in 1948, expressed a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, but health experts are concerned about the long-term impact of the U.S. departure. Critics argue that pulling out would isolate the U.S. diplomatically and hinder its ability to respond to future health crises. Experts like Dr. Ashish Jha and Lawrence Gostin warn that this decision will leave the U.S. less safe and vulnerable to emerging diseases, potentially weakening global health efforts.
Trump’s move to withdraw will require extensive legal and bureaucratic steps, as the U.S. would need to fulfill its financial obligations and provide one year’s notice according to WHO’s constitution. No other major country has ever withdrawn from WHO, though the Soviet Union did so temporarily during the Cold War. The exit process raises questions about how the U.S. and the world will collaborate in the future on global health emergencies, particularly with regard to information sharing and disease surveillance.
Health experts are particularly concerned that the U.S. leaving WHO would impair the ability to fight future pandemics. Past collaborations, such as efforts to combat polio and HIV/AIDS, have demonstrated the importance of working with WHO. In the case of diseases like bird flu, experts worry that the U.S. could find itself unprepared and isolated, lacking the international support and data necessary for effective response.
The decision could also undermine the U.S.’s ability to innovate and develop life-saving vaccines and treatments. WHO has been instrumental in coordinating research and ensuring equitable distribution of medical resources during past outbreaks. Experts fear that without participation in WHO, the U.S. may struggle to respond effectively to future global health challenges and could be left behind in global health cooperation.
