Trump Withdraws U.S. from WHO Over COVID-19 Response and Funding Concerns

President Trump signed an executive order to sever U.S. ties with the World Health Organization, criticizing the organization for its handling of the COVID-19 crisis and its lack of necessary reforms. In the order, he pointed to issues such as the failure of the WHO to remain free from undue political influence and the substantial financial contributions required from the United States, which have ranged from $160 million to over $800 million annually over the past decade.

The decision has drawn concern from the WHO, where officials highlighted the longstanding partnership with the United States that has played a crucial role in fighting global health threats. The organization stressed its achievements over several decades, including the eradication of smallpox and the near-elimination of polio, and expressed hope for continued collaboration if the United States were to reconsider its position.

Analysts warn that withdrawing from the WHO could have significant implications for U.S. health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which benefit from the organization’s research initiatives and coordinated global response efforts. There is also concern over the broader impact on global health, as losing U.S. financial support may hamper critical efforts in epidemic preparedness, including research on new viral threats.

The decision comes at a time when the U.S. is already contending with a rise in bird flu cases, including a confirmed death in Louisiana. With federal resources previously allocated to monitor and respond to the H5N1 virus, questions now arise about the future of these preventative and surveillance measures in the face of this significant policy shift.