Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw US from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Introduction
In a controversial move, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to formally begin withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision comes on the heels of his inauguration, marking one of several bold actions on his first day back in office.
Trump’s Criticism of the WHO
Trump has long been critical of the WHO, particularly during its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. In his first term, he accused the Geneva-based organization of being biased towards China and failing to act decisively in the early stages of the pandemic.
The executive order cited multiple reasons for the withdrawal, including:
- Mishandling of global health crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Failure to adopt needed reforms raises questions about the organization’s transparency and governance.
- Lack of independence from political influences of member states.
- Financial concerns, as Trump argued the US was unfairly burdened with disproportionate contributions to the WHO’s budget.
Under the Biden administration, the US had rejoined the WHO and continued as its largest funder, contributing nearly 20% of the agency’s $6.8 billion annual budget in 2023.
Implications of US Withdrawal from the WHO
Public health experts and critics have expressed serious concerns about the potential consequences of the withdrawal.
Impact on Global Health
The move could jeopardize global health initiatives such as the fight against infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Many experts warn that leaving the WHO could hinder international coordination during health emergencies and reduce the US’s influence in global health governance.
- Ashish Jha, former COVID-19 response coordinator under President Joe Biden, cautioned that the decision would harm both global health efforts and US scientific leadership.
- Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert, described the withdrawal as “a grievous wound to world health” and a blow to US influence on the worldwide stage.
Domestic Ramifications
Health professionals argue that the decision could negatively impact Americans’ health. The WHO plays a critical role in monitoring and responding to health threats worldwide. A weakened WHO could lead to slower responses to emerging pandemics, potentially endangering lives at home and abroad.
Trump’s Remarks on the Withdrawal
While signing the executive order, Trump hinted at the possibility of revisiting the decision in the future. “They wanted us back so badly, so we’ll see what happens,” he stated, implying that the US might consider rejoining the organization under different circumstances.
A History of US-WHO Relations
This marks the second time Trump has initiated the withdrawal process from the WHO. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Trump accused the organization of being “China-centric” and announced the US would leave. However, President Joe Biden reversed that decision immediately upon taking office, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in health matters.