The Trump administration confirmed on Thursday that the United States has completed the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision took effect exactly one year after President Donald Trump signed the relevant executive order.
Arguments of the Trump Administration
A high-ranking official from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that the organization has “strayed from its core mission” and has repeatedly acted to the detriment of U.S. interests. The primary criticism from officials is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic period.
One of the main reasons for the administration’s criticism was the organization’s delayed response at the beginning of the pandemic. The White House believes that the WHO failed to declare a global emergency in a timely manner, which hindered efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. According to U.S. representatives, this delay significantly harmed the global population.
Furthermore, U.S. dissatisfaction was fueled by criticism from the organization regarding the preventive measures taken by President Trump. The administration found the WHO’s position unacceptable when the organization questioned the necessity of travel and flight restrictions from certain countries, which, in Washington’s view, should have been a decisive step in containing the virus.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notes serious financial and governance misconduct. They argue that while the United States provided the largest financial contribution to the organization, other states, including China, spent far less. Despite such large-scale investment, an American representative has never been elected as Director-General in the history of the organization.
Expert Assessment
Public health experts describe this move as a massive mistake and a scientifically ill-conceived decision. According to Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, global cooperation is essential because viruses do not recognize national borders.
Specialists fear that leaving the organization will jeopardize the monitoring of dangerous diseases, such as Ebola, and will significantly complicate the process of matching annual influenza vaccines with circulating strains.
Goals of the Trump Administration
According to UN rules, to leave the organization, a country must provide one year’s notice and fully clear its outstanding debts. According to UN data, the U.S. currently owes the WHO more than $270 million for the 2024-2025 period. However, the Trump administration claims that under the 1948 WHO Constitution, they are not obligated to pay this amount.
Although the U.S. does not intend to rejoin the organization, the administration states that the country will remain a leader in global health through bilateral agreements and other partnership organizations.
A meeting of the WHO Executive Board is scheduled for early February, where the issue of the U.S. withdrawal will be officially discussed.
