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Breaking: Trump Signs Executive Order Withdrawing From WHO (Video)

By Gideon Ayeni

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Trump victory

In a move that has reignited global debate, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday night, directing the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Watch the video below;

The decision, effective within a year following formal notification to the United Nations and the WHO, tasks Secretary of State Marco Rubio with overseeing the exit.

The executive order also halts future U.S. funding to the WHO, as Trump called for the immediate suspension of financial transfers, government support, and resources to the global health body. He instructed Rubio and the Office of Management and Budget to implement these measures with “practicable speed” while recalling American personnel and contractors linked to WHO operations.

This marks Trump’s second attempt to pull the U.S. out of the WHO. His previous effort in 2020 cited dissatisfaction with the organization’s response to COVID-19 and perceived bias toward China. President Joe Biden reversed that decision upon taking office in 2021. However, Trump, remaining in office through this withdrawal period, could see his directive fully realized this time.

Economic and Global Health Implications

The U.S., a key financial contributor to the WHO, provides about 25% of its core budget, with annual contributions ranging between $163 million and $816 million. Trump’s order criticized the organization’s funding structure, highlighting disproportionate payments by the U.S. compared to China. The loss of U.S. funding could severely limit the WHO’s capacity to respond to global health crises.

The U.S. departure may also weaken domestic public health efforts, limiting access to the WHO’s influenza vaccine network and impacting American pharmaceutical companies reliance on the WHO’s global drug endorsement system.

Policy and Political Ramifications

Trump’s executive order challenges ongoing negotiations on international health regulations and pandemic preparedness agreements. The U.S. has rejected any binding amendments to these frameworks, further distancing itself from global health governance.

Health experts have expressed alarm, warning that the absence of U.S. leadership within the WHO could undermine global disease surveillance. Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, noted, “There are places where CDC epidemiologists can’t operate safely without WHO support.”

Looking Forward

Despite U.S. withdrawal, the WHO has pursued a $7 billion funding initiative to stabilize its finances between 2025 and 2028. The organization has already secured commitments for half the amount, signaling a shift toward diversified funding amid geopolitical shifts.
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