Former President Donald Trump has reignited global controversy by ordering the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the agency of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic and failing to serve U.S. interests. The decision, announced Monday via executive order, marks a dramatic step in Trump’s ongoing criticism of global institutions.
The U.S., which has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, now risks severing ties with the Geneva-based agency amidst rising global health challenges, including the lingering threat of COVID-19 variants and other emerging diseases.
A Familiar Battle Resurfaces
This is not Trump’s first attempt to disengage from the WHO. In 2020, during his first term, he initiated a withdrawal process, blaming the organization for being “China-centric” and failing to act swiftly to prevent the global spread of the coronavirus. However, his successor, President Joe Biden, reversed the move upon taking office, reaffirming U.S. commitment to international health cooperation.
Trump’s latest order, signed as part of his renewed “America First” agenda, has already drawn sharp criticism from public health advocates and international leaders.
“A Risk to Americans and the World”
Advocacy groups wasted no time in condemning the decision. Peter Maybarduk, Director of Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Program, decried Trump’s action, arguing that it jeopardizes both American and global health.
“In withdrawing from the WHO, Trump is harming not just the rest of the world but every American,” Maybarduk said in a statement. “Pulling out of the organization best able to mobilize countries to do their part fighting deadly viruses that kill Americans and don’t care about borders is not putting America first. It’s putting Americans at risk.”
Maybarduk pointed to the WHO’s critical role in coordinating international efforts during the pandemic, highlighting how U.S. cooperation with the organization and its partners saved lives. “As terrible as COVID was, it could have been much worse. Global health cooperation will only become more important in the years to come, as new diseases arise and spread thanks to the impact of worsening climate change,” he added.
Financial Implications and Criticisms
The U.S. has long been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing nearly 15% of its total funding before the pandemic. These contributions support initiatives ranging from disease eradication programs to emergency health responses in developing countries.
Critics warn that the withdrawal will leave a significant funding gap, potentially undermining the agency’s ability to address global health emergencies. “This still is one world, like it or not, and viruses don’t discriminate,” Maybarduk noted.
Political Context and Strategic Shifts
Trump’s decision comes amid broader geopolitical tensions and his well-documented skepticism toward multilateral organizations. During his first term, he withdrew the U.S. from several international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, often citing a need to protect American sovereignty and economic interests.
Supporters of the withdrawal argue that the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis justifies reevaluating its funding and influence. Trump has repeatedly accused the agency of being slow to act and overly influenced by China, a claim the WHO denies.
However, analysts warn that the decision may weaken U.S. leadership on global health issues. “The U.S. risks ceding influence to other global powers, particularly China, which has been expanding its role in international organizations,” said Dr. Karen Florez, a global health policy expert.
The Broader Impact on Global Health
The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Experts fear that U.S. withdrawal could disrupt these efforts, leaving low-income countries particularly vulnerable.
“This is a time for greater global cooperation, not less,” said Dr. Thomas Hensley, a former WHO consultant. “We need the combined resources and expertise of all nations to tackle future health challenges effectively. The U.S. stepping back sends the wrong message at a critical time.”
What Lies Ahead
The withdrawal process is not instantaneous and could take months or even years to complete. Legal challenges may also delay its implementation, as advocacy groups and lawmakers push back against the decision.
Meanwhile, Trump’s move has reignited debate over the role of international organizations in addressing global crises. As the world grapples with the consequences of the pandemic and the increasing frequency of health emergencies linked to climate change, many argue that the need for collective action has never been greater.
Trump, however, remains undeterred, asserting that his decision reflects his commitment to protecting U.S. interests. “America will no longer be taken advantage of by international bodies that fail to prioritize our needs,” he said in a recent rally.
A Controversial Legacy
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO adds to his already polarizing legacy on global health. While his supporters praise him for challenging the status quo, critics warn that the move could have dire consequences for both Americans and the global community.
As the debate continues, the world watches closely to see how the U.S. navigates this contentious path and what it means for the future of global health collaboration.
