23/01/2026
Corruption and mismanagement of funds results.
EFFECTIVE TODAY. The United States has formally exited the World Health Organization, completing a withdrawal ordered by President Donald Trump through an executive action signed one year ago. The administration cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and what it described as a continued failure to implement meaningful reforms, accountability measures, and transparency standards.
In a statement, the White House said the move fulfills a campaign and policy commitment. “The WHO failed to act independently and transparently during the COVID-19 crisis,” the administration said. Another official added that the organization “has not demonstrated sufficient reform.”
The withdrawal means the U.S. will end its formal participation in the WHO, including financial contributions and involvement in certain global health coordination efforts. Federal agencies will now transition responsibilities previously handled in coordination with the organization to domestic or alternative international frameworks.
The decision revives a policy first announced during Trump’s previous term, when the U.S. initially moved to leave the WHO in 2020 before the process was later reversed. U.S. officials argue the exit is necessary to protect national interests and push for structural change in global health governance.
Public health experts and former officials have warned the move could weaken international disease response, while supporters say it pressures the WHO to reform. Reaction remains sharply divided along political and institutional lines.