The United States has officially moved forward with its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a recent announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services. This action fulfills a long-standing objective of President Donald Trump, who had previously attempted to exit the organization during his first term and renewed the effort at the start of his second term through an executive order.
Under U.S. law, withdrawing from the WHO requires a one-year notice period and the settlement of any outstanding financial obligations. Although that notice period has now passed, the United States still reportedly owes approximately $260 million to the organization. Legal experts note that, technically, the withdrawal cannot be fully completed without paying these dues. However, they also point out that the WHO has no real enforcement power to compel the U.S. to pay, making the situation more political than legal in practice.
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that all U.S. funding to the WHO has been terminated. Additionally, American personnel and contractors previously assigned to the organization have been recalled, and the U.S. has ceased participation in WHO committees, governance bodies, and technical groups. While officials indicated that some limited cooperation could continue—such as discussions around influenza vaccine planning—no formal commitments have been confirmed.
Administration officials justified the withdrawal by arguing that the United States did not receive sufficient value from its involvement in the WHO. They also criticized the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming it acted too slowly in declaring a global health emergency and relied too heavily on early information from China. Additional concerns included the WHO’s initial positions on how the virus spreads, particularly regarding airborne transmission and asymptomatic cases.
The administration emphasized that leaving the WHO would allow the United States to pursue health policies without external influence. Officials stated that the country would continue to play a leading role in global health by working directly with individual nations, non-governmental organizations, and other partners. These efforts are expected to be coordinated primarily through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s global health programs.
Despite these assurances, many public health experts have expressed concern about the potential consequences of the withdrawal. They argue that the WHO plays a unique role in coordinating international disease surveillance and response efforts, something that bilateral agreements may not fully replicate. Critics warn that stepping away from the organization could create gaps in global health monitoring and reduce the ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.
Some experts also fear that the decision could weaken international cooperation and leave both the United States and other countries more vulnerable to future pandemics. While the administration maintains that alternative systems are in place, the long-term impact of this shift away from a centralized global health body remains uncertain.
