The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), finalizing a long-standing objective of President Donald Trump and leaving the UN health agency without one of its largest financial contributors.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all U.S. government funding to the WHO has been terminated. The statement also confirmed that all U.S. personnel and contractors assigned to or working with the organization have been recalled.
Additionally, the United States has ceased its official participation in WHO-sponsored committees, leadership bodies, governance structures, and technical working groups.
President Trump signaled the withdrawal by signing an executive order on January 20 last year, criticizing the WHO for what he described as a “China-centric” approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the decision was based on allegations that the WHO mishandled the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, delayed declaring it a global public health emergency and pandemic, and failed to implement urgently needed reforms. U.S. officials also cited concerns over political influence exerted by member states within the organization.
The WHO has strongly rejected these claims. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the U.S. withdrawal represents a loss not only for the organization, but also for the United States and the global community.
Trump had previously attempted to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO during his first term. On the first day of his second term, he again issued an executive order formally notifying the organization of the decision. Under U.S. law, a one-year notice period is required, along with the settlement of all outstanding financial obligations.
The United States reportedly owes the WHO approximately $260 million. However, legal experts have indicated that the U.S. is unlikely to settle the outstanding amount, and that the WHO has limited legal options to enforce payment.
