U.S. to abandon World Health Organization on day one of Trump administration

The United States, which has been a major contributor to the World Health Organization, is on the verge of withdrawing from the UN health agency as part of President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration. Reports indicate that Trump's transition team intends to make a formal announcement on January 20, which would coincide with his inauguration day. This move follows Trump's long-standing skepticism regarding the WHO's effectiveness and accusations that it is largely influenced by China. Health experts have warned that such a withdrawal could lead to serious repercussions for global health, considering the U.S. provides about 16% of the WHO's budget. During his previous presidency, Trump began the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO amid the COVID-19 pandemic, citing failures to address the crisis effectively. The official withdrawal process was interrupted when President Joe Biden took office and reinstated U.S. relations with the organization on his first day. Trump's team reportedly views a quick withdrawal as a way to send a strong political message, symbolically reversing Biden's re-engagement with the WHO. Experts express concern that leaving the WHO could leave a significant funding gap and undermine international health efforts, especially in times of crisis. Furthermore, some advisers within Trump's team have voiced the sentiment that reforming the WHO from within would be preferable, but this view appears to be increasingly overshadowed by those advocating for a clean break. This anticipated move signifies Trump’s ongoing push against international organizations that he perceives as ineffective or biased, particularly against American interests. As the inauguration approaches, uncertainty looms over the future of the WHO and the potential implications for global public health and America's role in international cooperation regarding health issues. In summary, Trump’s proposed withdrawal from the WHO marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards global health governance, reflecting a broader ideological divide regarding American engagement on international platforms. The impacts of such a decision will likely resonate within both national and global contexts, affecting future public health policy and international response mechanisms.