Trump Signs Executive Order for WHO Exit: Implications and Reactions.

Trump Signs Executive Order for WHO Exit: Implications and Reactions.

Trump Signs Executive Order for WHO Exit: Implications and Reactions.

On January 21, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the second attempt to exit the global health body. This decision comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape U.S. involvement in international organizations, citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial burdens on the U.S.

The executive order criticizes the WHO for its perceived failure to adopt necessary reforms and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influences. Trump’s administration has long argued that the U.S. contributes significantly more to the WHO compared to other nations, with China, for instance, contributing far less despite having a much larger population. The order states, “The WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments”.

Health experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact of this decision on global health initiatives and the U.S.’s role in international health diplomacy. The WHO has responded by urging the U.S. to reconsider its decision, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the organization and the United States. “The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since,” the WHO statement read.

The move has also raised questions about the legal and procedural aspects of the withdrawal. While Trump’s executive order initiates the process, it is unclear whether the president has the authority to exit the WHO without congressional approval. Former President Joe Biden had previously halted the exit process in 2021, restoring funding to the WHO and reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to global health.

The decision to withdraw from the WHO is part of a series of executive actions taken by Trump on his first day in office, which also included reversing various policies from the Biden administration. These actions reflect Trump’s campaign promises to reject global institutions and prioritize national interests.

As the U.S. moves forward with its withdrawal, the global health community continues to monitor the situation closely, concerned about the potential ramifications for international health cooperation and pandemic preparedness. The WHO exit underscores the ongoing debate over the role of the U.S. in global health governance and the challenges of balancing national interests with global responsibilities.

www.rwnnews.com

News that Matters, Delivered to You.

Be part of 30,000+ who get top stories daily. Sign up today.

By entering your email address, you agree to RWN’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You understand that RWN and its affiliates may use your address to send updates, ads, and offers.