Trump signs order to withdraw the US from the WHO, citing concerns over funding inequalities

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move rooted in his repeated criticism of the organization's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump argued that the U.S. contributes significantly more funding to the WHO compared to China, stating, "World Health ripped us off."  

As the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, the U.S. provides critical financial support essential to its operations. The withdrawal is expected to prompt a major restructuring within the WHO and could significantly disrupt global health initiatives.  

This marks Trump’s second attempt to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, his administration issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being unduly influenced by China during the pandemic’s early stages. That decision was later reversed under former President Joe Biden.  

In the new executive order, Trump directed government agencies to "pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO" and to "identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO."  

Additionally, the administration announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, aimed at combating infectious disease threats, "as soon as practicable."  

The timing of the U.S. withdrawal coincides with growing concerns over the potential pandemic threat posed by the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak, which has infected dozens and resulted in one fatality in the United States.  

Meanwhile, WHO member states are continuing negotiations for the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response—talks that will now proceed without U.S. involvement.