President Donald Trump signs an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization for the second time, sparking controversy and concern over global health leadership.
Top Takeaways
- Trump’s executive order cites WHO’s mishandling of the pandemic and political influence from member states as reasons for withdrawal.
- The decision could negatively impact global health efforts and U.S. leadership in health and science.
- WHO expresses regret over the announcement and emphasizes its crucial role in global health and security.
- The withdrawal will pause U.S. funding to WHO, exacerbating its financial difficulties.
- Legal experts question the legality of Trump’s unilateral withdrawal without Congressional approval.
Trump’s Executive Order and Its Implications
President Donald Trump has once again shaken the international health community by signing an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks Trump’s second attempt to sever ties with the global health body, following a similar move during his previous term. The decision has ignited a firestorm of debate over its potential impact on U.S. global health policy and international cooperation.
Trump’s executive order criticizes the WHO for demanding disproportionate payments from the United States, which has been the largest funder of the organization. In 2023, the U.S. contributed nearly one-fifth of WHO’s $6.8 billion budget. The president’s decision aligns with his broader strategy of reevaluating U.S. participation in international bodies.
Reactions and Concerns
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts who warn of potentially devastating consequences for global health efforts. Lawrence Gostin, a prominent legal expert, expressed grave concerns about the decision’s impact:
“It’s a cataclysmic presidential decision. Withdrawal is a grievous wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the US”
The WHO itself has reacted with regret to the announcement, emphasizing its crucial role in global health and security. The organization stressed that its work benefits Americans by addressing disease causes, strengthening health systems, and managing health emergencies. The WHO and the United States have collaborated for over 70 years, achieving significant milestones such as the eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of polio.
WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw
The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s… pic.twitter.com/DT3QJ49bhb
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 21, 2025
Financial and Legal Implications
Trump’s withdrawal order will pause U.S. funding to the WHO, exacerbating the organization’s financial difficulties. This comes at a particularly challenging time, as the WHO recently made an emergency funding appeal for $1.5 billion. The financial impact could have far-reaching consequences for global health initiatives, including programs for HIV, polio, and health emergencies.
Legal experts have raised questions about the legitimacy of Trump’s executive order. Lawrence Gostin criticized the order as legally flawed, noting that it violates the one-year notice period and financial obligations mandated by Congress. The debate over whether Trump can unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from WHO without Congressional approval continues, though Republican control of Congress may facilitate the process.
Potential Consequences and Future Outlook
Dr. David Hamer, a public health expert, warned that the withdrawal could worsen WHO’s chronic underfunding and significantly impact global public health efforts. He cautioned that reduced WHO capacity could slow responses to future health crises, potentially affecting the United States as well.
Despite the controversy, supporters of Trump have celebrated the withdrawal, viewing the WHO as a problematic organization. However, the international community, including key allies, has largely expressed concern over the decision.
The WHO remains hopeful that the United States will reconsider its decision and has expressed openness to constructive dialogue to maintain their partnership for global health benefits. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could reshape the landscape of global health policy and cooperation for years to come.
Sources:
- US exit from WHO could see fifth of budget disappear
- What will happen to World Health Organization without US funding?
- WHO comments on United States’ announcement of intent to withdraw
- WHO Responds to Trump Withdrawing US From Organization
