The United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) today, ending 77 years of membership in the United Nations specialized agency.
The move fulfills a key promise from President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, marking a major shift in U.S. global health policy.
The withdrawal took effect exactly one year after the Trump administration notified the United Nations Secretary-General of its intent to leave, in line with the requirements set by a 1948 congressional joint resolution authorizing U.S. participation in the WHO.
President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025—his first day back in office—revoking the Biden administration’s 2021 reversal of a previous withdrawal notice from 2020 and citing the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement needed reforms, political influence from certain member states (particularly China), and unfair financial burdens on the United States.
“The United States intends to withdraw from the WHO,” the executive order stated, highlighting that China, with a population over four times that of the U.S., contributes significantly less in assessed payments despite its size and influence.
The order also paused future U.S. funding, support, and personnel assignments to the organization while directing officials to identify alternative partners for global health activities.
The U.S. has historically been the WHO’s largest donor, accounting for roughly 16-18% of its budget through assessed contributions and voluntary payments.
Today’s exit leaves approximately $260-278 million in unpaid dues for the 2024-2025 period unresolved, raising questions about full compliance with U.S. law requiring settlement of outstanding obligations before departure.
Administration officials have indicated no plans to pay the arrears, describing the contributions as disproportionate.
Health experts and international observers have expressed serious concerns over the implications.
Critics warn that the withdrawal could weaken global pandemic surveillance, slow responses to emerging infectious diseases, disrupt vaccine distribution and eradication programs (such as polio and measles initiatives), and reduce U.S. influence in shaping international health standards.
Organizations like STAT News reported that the move “puts America at risk” by isolating the country from critical data-sharing and collaborative networks.
Supporters, including many in the Trump administration and conservative circles, celebrate it as a victory for national sovereignty and a rejection of what they call “globalist” overreach.
The decision revives Trump’s first-term critique of the WHO’s early COVID-19 response, which he blamed for delays in information sharing and perceived bias toward China.
The WHO has expressed regret over the departure but has not yet issued a formal statement confirming acceptance of the U.S. exit, with some reports noting ongoing internal discussions about the unpaid dues and the organization’s next steps.
The agency is reportedly preparing budget cuts and program reprioritizations to address the funding gap.
As the dust settles on this historic break, questions linger about future U.S. engagement in global health—whether through bilateral agreements, new coalitions, or a potential return under different leadership after the WHO director-general election in 2027.
For now, the “divorce” appears complete, ushering in an uncertain new chapter for international public health cooperation.
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