Trump pulls US out of World Health Organization

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World

US formally exits World Health Organization under Trump, cutting 18% of its budget.
WHO faces major staffing and program reductions; Washington will deal directly with countries.

The United States officially left the World Health Organization on Thursday, implementing an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office in 2025. The move was justified by Washington as a response to WHO’s “failures” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Symbolic exit

Witnesses reported the removal of the US flag from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, marking the end of decades of cooperation. A joint statement from the US Health and State Departments said interactions with WHO will be “limited” to completing withdrawal procedures.

A senior US health official confirmed there are no plans to participate as an observer or rejoin, emphasizing that Washington will work directly with other countries instead of using international channels.

Financial impact

The US exit has triggered a financial shock for WHO, which receives 18% of its funding from Washington. The organization has cut administrative staff by roughly half, will reduce its workforce by a quarter by mid-year, and will scale back many activities.

Although US law theoretically requires payment of around $260 million in dues before leaving, a State Department official said there is no obligation. WHO also noted that US fees for 2024 and 2025 remain unpaid.

UN concerns

The withdrawal raises concerns about weakening the United Nations system, particularly after Trump’s recent creation of the “Peace Council.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the decision represents “a loss for the United States and the rest of the world.”