Trump administration announces US withdrawal from WHO

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the global health community, the Trump administration has formally announced its intention to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The move, detailed in an executive order signed on January 21, 2025, marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign and health policy, raising concerns about the potential impact on international health initiatives and U.S. credibility on the world stage.

During his first term, Trump had formally notified the United States of its withdrawal from the WHO, which President Biden reversed on his first day in office in 2021.

Trump says WHO member states have 'inappropriate political influence'

The executive order in question cites longstanding frustrations with the WHO’s alleged ineffectiveness and perceived political bias. According to the Trump administration, the organization has failed to adequately respond to critical health crises and is unduly influenced by some member states. In a press release, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids[1] expressed alarm at the move, saying it could undermine global efforts to combat tobacco use and other public health problems. Experts say the move could isolate the United States in managing global health emergencies and reduce its influence in shaping international health policy.

The timing of the withdrawal coincides with heightened tensions between the United States and the WHO over its handling of global health priorities, including tobacco control and pandemic response. The Trump administration has accused the WHO of lacking transparency and accountability, which the organization has consistently denied.

Federal Health Agencies Freeze

The move also comes amid reports of a "pause" in communications between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and key federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[2].

According to sources at the agencies, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to share the information, the directive came without warning and with little guidance on what exactly it covered. Among other things, the memo instructed health agency employees to have a presidential appointee review and approve all documents and communications — including those about regulations, guidance, advisories, social media, websites and press releases — before they are released. It also instructed employees not to speak publicly without authorization and to coordinate with presidential appointees before sending official correspondence to members of Congress or governors.

For public health stakeholders, these communication constraints risk undermining the dissemination of crucial health information to the public. They also stressed the importance of clear and consistent communication in times of uncertainty. They warn of the risks of a lack of coordination between health agencies that could have disastrous consequences on “the country’s ability to effectively address national and global health challenges.”

A serious decision that could weaken global public health

In a statement[3] In a statement released shortly after the announcement, the WHO regretted the US decision, stressing the essential role the organization plays in coordinating global health efforts. "This decision risks jeopardizing decades of progress in public health", the statement reads. WHO highlighted its ongoing initiatives, including its work on combating noncommunicable diseases, promoting universal health coverage and addressing the global tobacco epidemic, as examples of its indispensable contributions.

In its response, WHO also stresses the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global health challenges and warns that US withdrawal could weaken international solidarity and resource mobilization.

The United States has historically been a major contributor to the WHO budget, providing crucial funding for initiatives ranging from vaccine distribution to disease surveillance. With its withdrawal, the organization could face significant financial and operational challenges. Health experts also warn that it could have knock-on effects on global health programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that rely on WHO support.

AE

[1] Press release, Trump Administration Should Reverse Decision to Withdraw from World Health Organization, CTFK, published January 21, 2025, accessed January 23, 2025

[2] Brenda Goodman, Trump administration directs federal health agencies to pause communications, CNN, published January 21, 2025, accessed January 23, 2025

[3] Press release, WHO Reacts to US Announcement to Withdraw from Organization, WHO, published January 21, 2025, accessed January 23, 2025