- The U.S. has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization after a one-year notice period triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order at the start of his second term in 2025, ending a 78-year relationship.
- The Trump administration justified the exit by citing the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to enact reforms, political bias, and what it calls unfair financial obligations on the U.S.
- U.S. officials say Washington plans to work directly with other countries on disease surveillance and public health cooperation, bypassing the WHO.
- Public health experts warn this move could leave the U.S. with reduced early warning of pandemics and weakening responses to outbreaks such as influenza, polio, Ebola, and emerging viruses.
- The withdrawal has created a major financial crisis for the WHO, which relied on the U.S. for roughly 18% of its funding. The agency has cut management, reduced staff, and scaled back programs worldwide.
- A dispute persists over unpaid U.S. dues, with WHO saying Washington owes more than $130 million for 2024–2025, while the Trump administration denies any obligation to pay after withdrawal.
US Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization
