Trump administration completes process for US withdrawal from WHO

U.S. Withdraws from the World Health Organization

The United States has officially completed its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday. This marks a significant shift in U.S. involvement in global health initiatives.

President Trump initiated the withdrawal on his first day in office in 2025. He cited various issues, particularly the WHO’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as justification. Trump expressed concerns over “high payments” made by the U.S. that seemed disproportionate compared to contributions from other member countries.

Almost exactly a year later, the formal withdrawal was confirmed by both HHS and the U.S. State Department.

Since its establishment in 1948, the WHO has played a critical role in coordinating international public health efforts, including managing disease outbreaks and responses to epidemics.

During a prerecorded speech at the World Health Assembly in May 2025, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the WHO for being mired in “bureaucratic bloat and entrenched paradigms.” He argued that the organization was too influenced by international politics.

The withdrawal is largely rooted in the Trump administration’s dissatisfaction with WHO’s response to the pandemic and its relations with China. HHS stated that the WHO’s delayed actions during the early stages of COVID-19 adversely affected global efforts to contain the virus. They pointed out the organization’s apparent favoritism toward China’s handling of the crisis, despite evidence suggesting significant underreporting of cases.

A senior official from the Health Department assured the public that the U.S. would remain a strong player in global health, even while distancing itself from the WHO. The official pointed out that the U.S. funds a considerable portion—about 25%—of WHO’s total budget, yet there has never been an American director leading the organization.

Furthermore, the official noted that the United States is “moving away” from organizations that do not align with its interests, although it still aims to play a vital role in global health cooperation, having signed various bilateral agreements with numerous countries in December 2025.

Secretary Kennedy’s strong rhetoric captured the administration’s frustrations, particularly regarding claims that the WHO had ultimately failed to prioritize transparency and fairness in its governance.

This withdrawal has attracted criticism, especially from Democrats who assert that it jeopardizes international disease detection and leaves America vulnerable in case of future health crises. For instance, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi labeled the move as “senseless,” suggesting that it could risk “millions of lives.”