U.S. to abandon World Health Organization on day one of Trump administration
- Donald Trump intends to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO on January 20, highlighting his criticism of the organization's alignment with China.
- This move aims to restore Trump's approach to global health, which had been compromised during Biden's presidency.
- Experts warn that this withdrawal could have catastrophic consequences for global health cooperation and funding.
In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 20, which is the first day of his new administration. This anticipated withdrawal reflects Trump's long-standing criticism of the WHO, citing its alleged alignment with China and insufficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts have predicted that this withdrawal could significantly impact global health initiatives as the United States is the organization’s largest donor, contributing approximately 16% of its budget. The transition team aims to send a strong message by reversing actions taken by President Joe Biden, who reinstated U.S. participation during his first day in office in 2021. Health authorities warn that leaving the WHO would leave a substantial gap in funding and leadership for international health initiatives, raising concerns about the agency's ability to respond effectively to future global health crises. This decision is backed byTrump's appointment of individuals who have previously voiced skepticism regarding the WHO’s operations and have proposed an immediate exit to facilitate a symbolic shift in U.S. global health policy.