Written by Michael Bennett.

In a bold move that has sparked both applause and concern, President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order initiating the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump’s decision, framed as a stand against globalist policies and financial inefficiencies, marks a significant shift in America’s role in global health leadership. But what does this mean for the U.S. and the rest of the world?

Why Trump Pulled the Plug

The president didn’t hold back when outlining his reasons for cutting ties. According to Trump, the WHO’s mishandling of the pandemic—coupled with what he called “inappropriate political influence” and “unfair” financial demands—made the U.S.’s continued membership unsustainable.

“World Health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump declared as he signed the executive order. This fiery rhetoric underscored his longstanding frustration with international organizations that, in his view, disproportionately benefit from U.S. funding while failing to deliver accountability.

The U.S. currently contributes about 18% of the WHO’s overall budget, a hefty sum considering the organization’s two-year budget for 2024-2025 stands at $6.8 billion. Trump’s decision means that within 12 months, the U.S. will not only withdraw but also halt all financial contributions. For context, China, a nation with significant global clout, pays far less into the organization. Critics of the WHO argue that its operations are overly influenced by China and lack transparency, fueling Trump’s claim of “inappropriate political influence.”

The Domino Effect on Global Health Programs

This decision has sent shockwaves through the global health community. The U.S. has been the WHO’s largest single donor, and many of its programs, such as those tackling tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and emergency health crises, heavily rely on American funding. Experts worry that cutting these funds could severely impact the organization’s ability to address pressing global health challenges.

Take tuberculosis, for instance. It remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, killing over a million people annually. The WHO has played a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat this disease, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Similarly, its HIV/AIDS programs provide vital support in countries with high infection rates, offering everything from testing kits to life-saving antiretroviral drugs.

Without U.S. funding, these initiatives could falter, leaving millions without access to critical healthcare services. Critics argue that Trump’s move will create a vacuum that other nations or organizations may struggle to fill.

What Happens to the Pandemic Treaty?

Another major aspect of Trump’s order is the decision to cease negotiations on the WHO’s pandemic treaty. This treaty, aimed at improving international cooperation in responding to global health emergencies, has been a contentious topic. Trump’s withdrawal effectively takes the U.S. out of these discussions, raising questions about how future pandemics will be managed without one of the world’s most powerful nations at the table.

The executive order also mandates the recall of U.S. government personnel working with the WHO and a review of the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy. The administration plans to rescind and replace the current strategy with a new one more aligned with Trump’s vision of American health sovereignty.

The Gates Foundation and Other Key Players

While the U.S. is stepping back, other major donors may need to step up. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for example, is the WHO’s second-largest donor, with much of its funding directed toward polio eradication and vaccine initiatives. Gavi, the global vaccine alliance backed by Gates, along with the European Commission and the World Bank, also contribute significant funds. However, these entities may struggle to cover the financial and operational gap left by the U.S.

Our Take

Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO represents a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy and global health leadership. While the move is consistent with his “America First” agenda, it raises significant concerns about the future of international health collaboration. Without the U.S., the WHO faces an uncertain future, potentially leaving critical health programs underfunded and millions of lives at risk.

For conservatives, the withdrawal reflects a broader skepticism of international organizations that prioritize globalist agendas over national interests. However, the long-term consequences of this decision may outweigh the immediate political gains. Public health knows no borders, and pandemics like COVID-19 have proven that global cooperation is essential. By stepping away from the table, the U.S. risks isolating itself in a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected.