The United States is leaving the World Health Organization

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 21. 11:38

The United States is withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated 47th President of the United States, announced. Trump justified his decision by saying that the WHO had mishandled the coronavirus pandemic and other international health crises and had failed to operate independently of the political influence of the world organization’s member states. He also criticized the organization for its unfairly high financial contribution, which he said was disproportionately large compared to the amounts provided by other countries, such as China.

“The WHO has deceived us, everyone has deceived the United States. It will not happen again,”

Trump said when signing the order that formally starts the process of the United States’ withdrawal. According to the decision, the United States will terminate its membership and stop its financial support for the WHO’s work within 12 months. The United States is currently the largest funder of the WHO, providing about 18 percent of the organization’s budget. The WHO’s most recent budget, for 2024-2025, was $6.8 billion.

Reuters reported that the US decision could have a significant impact on the WHO’s operations, especially its funding for programs to address global health crises. The news agency reached out to the WHO for comment, but it did not immediately respond.

Trump’s announcement sparked international outrage as the WHO’s role in handling the coronavirus pandemic has been the focus of international debate. The implications of the move could have serious implications for both American and global health, as the United States has been a strong supporter of the organization’s programs.

Donald Trump was sworn in as president in Washington on Monday. His inauguration ceremony was broadcast live by several media outlets, with thousands of people gathering to witness the event despite restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.