The news: On his first day back in the White House, President Trump issued an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s the second time in five years Trump has started this process, but the first attempt was blocked in 2020 after Joe Biden took office.
Why Trump is pushing for the US’ withdrawal: He blames the WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in China, as well as other global health crises.
Trump also thinks that the WHO demands unfair payments from the US relative to other countries.
How a withdrawal could play out: No country has ever withdrawn from the WHO, per STAT.
To exit the WHO, the US needs to give a year’s notice and pay its dues to the WHO for the current fiscal year. However, Trump may try to bypass Congress to accelerate the process. Taking this action could result in a lawsuit over his failure to get approval.
Why it matters: Leaving the WHO would mean the US loses access to the agency’s data that tracks global health threats. This information helps countries prevent and respond to public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks.
Trump’s decision would also significantly impact the WHO and many other countries that depend on it. Less funding and scientific expertise for the agency would impede certain global health initiatives while disproportionately affecting lower-income countries that have more public health disasters than the US but fewer resources on hand.
The final word: Severing ties with the WHO would be a public health nightmare for the US—not only in the event of another pandemic but also in efforts to combat medical misinformation and protect patients from fraudulent medications and treatments.
A middle-ground resolution that involves a more balanced approach to agency funding among member states could be a win-win for both sides.
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