In a controversial move, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision that public health experts warn could have serious consequences for global health security. This withdrawal, which Trump first attempted in 2020 before it was reversed by President Joe Biden, could leave the U.S. vulnerable to emerging health threats and diminish its influence in global health affairs.
Trump’s Justification for the Withdrawal
Trump accused the WHO of “mishandling” the COVID-19 pandemic, failing to implement much-needed reforms, and being politically influenced by other member states. He also cited financial concerns, claiming that the U.S. has been unfairly burdened with excessive contributions compared to countries like China. “Everybody rips off the United States, and that’s it—it’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said when questioned about the decision.
The executive order specifically highlights what Trump describes as an “unfair” financial arrangement, pointing out that China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes nearly 90% less to the WHO than the U.S. does.
Health Experts Warn of Dire Consequences
Public health officials and experts have strongly criticized the move, arguing that withdrawing from the WHO could significantly hinder America’s ability to respond to global and domestic health crises. Dr. Daniele Fallin, dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, called the decision “a strategic mistake” that could not only threaten American lives but also weaken the U.S.’s leadership role in global health.
“Not being part of the WHO means we lose access to critical information and coordination efforts that protect public health,” Dr. Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, told ABC News. “This puts Americans at a disadvantage when it comes to responding to outbreaks and emerging health threats.”
Missed Early Warning Signs and Reduced Collaboration
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the withdrawal is that it could limit the U.S.’s ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases. The WHO plays a crucial role in tracking global health threats, including the recent bird flu outbreak, which has resulted in 67 confirmed cases in the U.S. since April 2024. While the CDC has prepared millions of doses of a bird flu vaccine as a precaution, experts warn that the loss of WHO collaboration could slow down efforts to respond to future pandemics.
Additionally, the WHO works closely with institutions like the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on initiatives related to cancer prevention, infectious disease management, and global health security. Without WHO membership, the U.S. may struggle to maintain these collaborative efforts.
U.S. Risks Losing Influence in Global Health
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed “regret” over the U.S. decision, emphasizing that American institutions have played a key role in past global health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and near-eradication of polio. Public health experts argue that stepping away from the WHO could diminish the U.S.’s ability to shape global health policies and responses to crises.
Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations, called the move “an enormous mistake.” He also raised concerns about Trump’s simultaneous executive order placing a 90-day pause on all foreign aid spending, which could disrupt U.S.-funded global health programs that support the treatment of diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS.
“The WHO is not perfect, but it plays an irreplaceable role in global outbreak response,” Bollyky warned. “By withdrawing, the U.S. weakens its own ability to influence global health security and makes Americans less safe.”
Political and Social Reactions
The decision has sparked a wide range of reactions across the political spectrum. While some of Trump’s supporters praise the move as a step toward reducing America’s financial burden and asserting independence, critics argue that it prioritizes politics over public health.
Notably, Tesla CEO and tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump recently appointed as head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), responded to WHO’s statement with a kiss-face emoji on X (formerly Twitter), adding to the controversy surrounding the decision.
What’s Next?
With the withdrawal process now in motion, the full implications remain to be seen. Public health officials and international leaders will closely monitor how this decision affects America’s role in responding to global health crises. Meanwhile, Trump’s actions could set the stage for further debate on the future of U.S. involvement in international organizations.
As this story develops, one thing remains clear: the decision to leave the WHO has far-reaching consequences that will impact global health policy, disease prevention, and America’s ability to protect its citizens from future health threats.
