Trump signs executive order to withdraw US from World Health Organization 

This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US to disengage from the WHO.

He first initiated the withdrawal in 2020, criticizing the organization’s handling of the pandemic, its failure to implement necessary reforms, and its inability to maintain independence from political influences by certain member states.

Trump also highlighted financial disparities, condemning the “unfairly onerous payments” demanded of the United States compared to other nations. “China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO,” he stated.

“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered,” Trump declared, marking a renewed effort to sever US ties with the organization and pursue alternative strategies for global health leadership.

They are also tasked with recalling and reassessing U.S. personnel and contractors working with the WHO and identifying credible U.S. and international partners to take over essential activities previously managed by the organization.

Furthermore, the Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy is required to review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy in alignment with the new executive actions.

The Secretary of State has been directed to immediately inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations, any other applicable depositary, and the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United States’ decision to withdraw from the organization.

Additionally, it specifies that the order does not create any rights or benefits enforceable at law or equity by any party against the United States, its agencies, officers, or employees or any other person.