US President Donald Trump signs an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) over dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The US cites unfair financial demands and political biases as reasons for the exit, effective in 12 months
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The decision stems from Trump’s criticisms of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its ties to China.
According to the order, the US is leaving due to the WHO's failure to enact necessary reforms, its political bias, and its perceived unfair demands for financial contributions from the US. Trump, who had previously attempted to pull the US out of the organization in 2020, emphasized that the WHO had been “ripping off” the country.
The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, with the US ceasing its financial contributions to the WHO. The US is the largest contributor to the organization, supplying almost one-fifth of its budget in 2023.
Trump's decision marks the second time he has pursued a departure from the global health body, a move that was reversed by President Joe Biden during his term.
US President Donald Trump signs an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) over dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The US cites unfair financial demands and political biases as reasons for the exit, effective in 12 months.
