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US withdraws from WHO, halting funding and personnel
The United States has officially ended its membership in the World Health Organization, withdrawing financial support and recalling staff after accusing the agency of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic and favoring China. The move, finalized this week, leaves the WHO without its largest donor amid ongoing global health challenges.
Background and accusations
President Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal process a year ago, criticizing the WHO for being overly influenced by Beijing during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cited the organization's alleged failure to reform and political interference from member states as key reasons for the decision.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the withdrawal a setback for both the U.S. and global health efforts. The agency defended its record, highlighting its work on polio eradication, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and tobacco control, as well as its role in negotiating an international pandemic treaty adopted by all member states except the U.S. last April.
Financial and operational impact
The U.S. had been the WHO's largest contributor, but unpaid dues for 2024 and 2025-totaling approximately $260 million-have already led to job cuts within the organization. While WHO lawyers argue the U.S. is legally obligated to settle the arrears, Washington has dismissed the claim, stating all funding and personnel have been withdrawn.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement accusing the WHO of betraying its mission and acting against American interests, including failing to display the U.S. flag at its Geneva headquarters. Future U.S. engagement with the WHO will be limited to facilitating the withdrawal and protecting domestic health interests, they said.
Global health implications
The U.S. plans to pursue bilateral agreements with other countries for disease surveillance and pathogen sharing but has not disclosed which nations are involved. When asked about ongoing efforts to combat polio and HIV, officials said the U.S. would partner with NGOs and faith-based groups, though no specific collaborations have been announced.
Uncertainty also surrounds U.S. participation in global flu vaccine development and information-sharing programs. The WHO's upcoming board meeting in February will address the withdrawal, with the secretariat awaiting guidance from governing bodies.
Criticism of pandemic response
The withdrawal follows widespread criticism of the U.S. and other developed nations for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies, including one published in the BMJ, have attributed the high U.S. death toll to delayed lockdowns, politicized mask policies, and inconsistent federal guidance. Former public health official Drew Altman described the response as a "failure of policy and leadership."
A research paper in the UN National Library of Medicine further accused the Trump administration of a "slow and mismanaged federal response," exacerbating the crisis.
WHO's response and next steps
The WHO had previously urged the U.S. to reconsider, emphasizing the shared history of saving lives and protecting global health. With the withdrawal now finalized, the agency's leadership will discuss the matter at its February meeting, though no immediate changes to operations are expected.
