Top News

On Thursday, the United States confirmed its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move initiated nearly a year ago when President Donald Trump signed an executive order to commence the withdrawal process.

The US State Department stated that this decision was a response to the WHO's shortcomings during the Covid-19 pandemic, aiming to address the negative impact these failures had on American citizens.

Following his inauguration for a second term on January 20, 2025, Trump signed an order to officially withdraw from the WHO, citing the organization's alleged mismanagement of the pandemic.

Previously, the Trump administration had initiated withdrawal steps in 2020 and halted funding to the organization. However, President Joe Biden reversed this decision upon taking office in 2021.

In response to Trump's executive order last year, the WHO expressed its regret over the announcement.

On Thursday, the US government accused the WHO of abandoning its fundamental mission and acting contrary to American interests.

Despite being a founding member and the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the US claimed that the organization had pursued a politically motivated agenda influenced by nations opposed to American values.

The statement further alleged that the WHO hindered the timely sharing of crucial information that could have potentially saved lives in the US, masking these failures under the guise of public health interests.

Simultaneously, the WHO reported that the US owes over $130 million in dues.

In reaction, the State Department accused the WHO of undermining America's contributions and claimed that the organization refused to return the American flag that had been displayed at its headquarters, arguing that it had not sanctioned the withdrawal.

Moving forward, the US plans to limit its engagement with the WHO strictly to facilitate the withdrawal process and ensure the health and safety of its citizens. The department confirmed that all US funding and personnel associated with WHO initiatives have been terminated.

After Trump's announcement, the WHO reiterated that the US has been a crucial member since its establishment in 1948, contributing to its governance alongside 193 other nations.

The organization expressed hope that the US would reconsider its decision and emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative relationship for global health benefits.

Soumya Swaminathan, the former chief scientist of the WHO, remarked that the US's exit would significantly affect future pandemic management.

She highlighted the necessity for global cooperation in addressing health emergencies, which can arise anywhere and spread rapidly, advocating for a focus on improving future collaboration rather than withdrawal.

Swaminathan cautioned that leaving the WHO would result in the US losing access to vital global health data and reducing its influence in shaping international health policies.