Donald Trump is at it again. On his first day back in the White House, the U.S. president dropped a bombshell. He signed an executive order to start withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the second time in five years he has taken this controversial step.
Many experts fear this decision could undo years of progress in the fight against global health threats. Diseases like AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis could spread more easily. Scientists also warn this move might weaken global defenses against new pandemics.
Trump’s big move
Trump wasted no time. In the Oval Office, he signed the order with a flourish. “Ooh, that’s a big one!” he quipped as he put pen to paper. His executive action stops U.S. funding to WHO. It also calls for recalling federal staff and finding new partners to replace WHO in global health efforts.
This isn’t Trump’s first clash with WHO. Back in July 2020, during his first term, he tried to pull the U.S. out. That was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Joe Biden reversed the decision in January 2021. Now, Trump is reviving the idea, claiming WHO has failed.
Why does WHO matter?
The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ health agency. It fights global health crises like Ebola, polio, and mpox. WHO also helps poorer nations get vaccines and medicines. It creates health guidelines on issues like cancer and mental health.
Losing U.S. support would be a huge blow. Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert, warned this could make the world less safe. WHO relies on U.S. funding and expertise to fight pandemics and track diseases. “This decision devastates WHO’s ability to respond to global health emergencies,” he said.
Dr. Tom Frieden, a former CDC director, agrees. He called the move a “surrender” of America’s leadership in global health. “Walking away weakens America’s influence and raises the risk of deadly pandemics,” he added.
Can Trump do this?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Congress needs to approve the move. Plus, the U.S. must settle its financial obligations to WHO. Back in 1948, Congress passed a resolution to join WHO. To leave, the U.S. must give a one-year notice.
What’s at stake for WHO?
The U.S. has been WHO’s biggest donor. In the past decade, it gave between $160 million and $815 million annually. WHO’s total yearly budget is about $2-3 billion. Without U.S. funding, critical health programs could collapse.
These include efforts to fight polio and improve maternal and child health. The U.S. also contributes staff and resources to WHO. Losing these could delay vaccine research and limit access to vital health data. Even the CDC, which works closely with WHO, would feel the impact.
Why is trump doing this?
Trump says he wants to tackle “corruption” at WHO. He accuses the agency of being too close to China and failing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his executive order, he cited WHO’s “mishandling” of the crisis and its “failure to adopt reforms.”
Trump’s complaints aren’t new. During the pandemic, WHO made mistakes. It initially advised against wearing masks and claimed COVID-19 wasn’t airborne. The agency also faced a sexual abuse scandal involving health workers during the Ebola crisis. Reports revealed that WHO managers knew about the abuse but failed to act.
WHO’s reaction
WHO responded cautiously. In a statement, it expressed “regret” over Trump’s decision. “For over seven decades, the U.S. and WHO have saved countless lives together,” the organization said. “We hope to continue this partnership.”
WHO’s spokesperson, Tarik Jasarevic, shared a stark statistic. In 2023, the U.S. contributed 18% of WHO’s budget. Without that support, WHO’s future looks uncertain. Jasarevic avoided speculating on the consequences but admitted the challenges would be severe.
What happens now?
If Trump follows through, the U.S. will leave WHO in one year. Congress could push back, but Trump’s firm stance makes it clear he’s serious. The world watches as the drama unfolds. One thing is certain: global health efforts face a tough road ahead without America’s leadership.
