President Donald Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day back in the White House. The decision, formalized through an executive order, cited the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to adopt necessary reforms, and vulnerability to political influence. This marks the second time Trump has initiated such a withdrawal, having first done so in 2020 before then-President Joe Biden reversed the decision in 2021.
Trump emphasized his long-standing criticism of the WHO, arguing that the U.S. has shouldered an unfair financial burden in comparison to other nations. The executive order called for an immediate suspension of U.S. funding and the reassignment of American staff and contractors working with the organization. Critics warn that the move could significantly weaken the WHO’s ability to respond to global health crises, with one public health expert labeling it “a grievous wound to world health.”
Some health experts have expressed concern over the potential consequences of this decision. Dr. Ashish Jha, a former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, noted that the U.S. withdrawal creates a leadership vacuum that China is likely to fill, potentially giving it greater global influence. Georgetown University’s Lawrence Gostin criticized the legality and timing of the withdrawal, describing it as a “grave strategic error.” The WHO itself expressed disappointment, highlighting the organization’s critical role in combating health threats, eradicating diseases, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Leader of One Nation in Australia, Senator Pauline Hanson, however, praised Trump and urged Australia to follow the U.S. and withdraw from the WHO. Appearing on 2GB, she implored that Australia should control its health policies independently.
Lockdowns and measures seen as extreme were widely criticized by civil liberties groups during the pandemic. This led to a wider focus on the role of medical associations and what role was appropriate for them to play. In a video that circulated widely online, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro questioned WHO Director Tedros Adhanom on the measures taken and their effectiveness. The withdrawal is likely to be welcomed by some and criticized by others with a possible new change in healthcare policy.
