US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Oooh, that’s a big one,” President Trump remarked after signing the order shortly after returning to the White House. The action was among several executive orders he issued on his first day back in office.
This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US to leave the Geneva-based health agency. During his first term, he criticized the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and began the withdrawal process, which was later reversed by President Joe Biden.
By issuing this executive action on day one, the likelihood of the US formally severing ties with the WHO has increased. “They wanted us back so badly, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said in the Oval Office, hinting at the possibility of future re-engagement.
Reasons for Withdrawal
The executive order cited multiple reasons for the decision, including:
- The WHO’s alleged mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic and other global health crises.
- A failure to implement necessary reforms.
- The organization’s perceived susceptibility to political influence from its member states.
- The “unfairly onerous payments” made by the US, which has been the WHO’s largest funder, contributing nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion annual budget in 2023.
Trump has long accused the WHO of being “China-centric” during the Covid-19 outbreak and criticized its guidance as biased toward Beijing.
Potential Global Impact
The US withdrawal could have significant implications for global health initiatives. Public health experts warn it might undermine the WHO’s ability to respond to emergencies such as Ebola outbreaks, MPOX, or future pandemics.
Programs aimed at combating infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS could also face setbacks.
Dr. Ashish Jha, a former Covid-19 response coordinator under President Biden, cautioned that leaving the WHO would “harm not only the health of people around the world but also US leadership and scientific prowess.”
Global health expert Lawrence Gostin described the decision as “cataclysmic,” calling it a “grievous wound to world health and a deeper wound to the US.”
Risks and Opportunities
There are concerns that the US exit could open the door to increased Chinese influence within the WHO, potentially countering the intended effect of reducing political bias.
However, some observers argue that this move could push the WHO to implement reforms, potentially improving its operations and restoring trust. Should such changes occur, they might pave the way for the US to rejoin the organization.
Despite this possibility, the tone of President Trump’s administration suggests that this second withdrawal will be more resolute, leaving the future of US involvement with the WHO uncertain.