WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), fulfilling a promise made by President Donald J. Trump on his first day in office, top administration officials announced. The WHO has not issued a direct public response to the announcement.
The move, effective January 22, severs ties with the U.N. health agency amid longstanding criticisms of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived political biases. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. detailed the decision in a joint statement, stating that the withdrawal frees the U.S. from what they described as the WHO’s “constraints” and “failures.”
“This action responds to the WHO’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to rectify the harm from those failures inflicted on the American people,” the statement read. “Promises made, promises kept.”
The WHO, established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations, works worldwide to promote health, ensure safety from health threats, and support vulnerable populations. Its core functions include advancing universal health coverage, preparing for and responding to health emergencies, and addressing social determinants of health through intersectoral approaches. The U.S. was a founding member and its largest financial contributor, providing significant funding until the withdrawal process began.
Administration officials accused the WHO of abandoning its mission in favor of a politicized agenda influenced by nations hostile to American interests. They claimed the organization obstructed the sharing of critical information during the pandemic, potentially costing lives, and then concealed those shortcomings. Even as the U.S. exited, the statement alleged, the WHO refused to return an American flag displayed at its headquarters, insisting the withdrawal was not approved and demanding approximately $278 million in compensation.
The decision to leave WHO stems from Executive Order 14155, signed by Trump on January 20, 2025, initiating a one-year withdrawal period. During that time, the U.S. halted funding and began shifting activities to bilateral partnerships. All American staffing of WHO initiatives has now ceased, with future engagement limited to finalizing the exit and protecting U.S. health interests.
Going forward, the U.S. plans to lead global public health efforts through direct, results-oriented collaborations with countries and trusted institutions. This approach, officials said, will focus on sharing best practices, enhancing preparedness, and preventing disease threats from reaching American shores—bypassing what they called the WHO’s bloated bureaucracy and conflicts of interest.
Author: Mario Lotmore
