Trump Severs U.S. Ties with WHO, Citing Unfair Practices and Mishandling of Global Health Crises

President Trump issues executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization, reigniting criticism over its pandemic response and financial inequities.

Washington DC [US], January 21: In a stunning move, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), issuing an executive order on Monday citing the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and global health crises, as well as financial inequities in funding.

This marks the second time Trump has severed ties with the WHO. The U.S. previously withdrew in July 2020 during his first term, blaming the organization for its response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Reasons for Withdrawal
The executive order outlined multiple reasons for the decision, including the WHO’s alleged failure to reform and its susceptibility to political influence from member states.

“The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020 due to the organisation’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic… and its inability to demonstrate independence from inappropriate political influence,” the order stated.

Trump criticized the disparity in financial contributions, noting that the U.S. had been disproportionately funding the WHO compared to other nations, particularly China.

Financial Disparities
“The WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States… China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes nearly 90% less to the WHO,” the order noted.

Trump elaborated during a press briefing, emphasizing that the U.S. had paid $500 million annually, while China contributed $39 million.

TikTok and U.S.-China Relations
Trump also touched upon the U.S.-TikTok deal, warning that the U.S. could impose tariffs on China if it failed to approve the agreement.

“If China didn’t approve it… we could put tariffs on China. Don’t forget, China charges us tariffs, and we charge them very little. If we wanted to make a deal with TikTok… and China wouldn’t approve it, then I think ultimately they’d approve it because we would put tariffs on China,” Trump stated.

A New Administration Begins
Trump’s announcement came hours after he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, while JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President.

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