U.S. Formally Withdraws Membership from WHO
U.S. Formally Withdraws Membership from WHO
The United States has officially finalized its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) as of January 22, 2026.
This concludes a year-long withdrawal process initiated by President Trump on his first day in office.
In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the termination of U.S. membership.
They cited the organization’s “mishandling” of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of necessary transparency as primary reasons for the break.
The administration has immediately ceased all funding and recalled American personnel and contractors embedded within the agency.
Historically, the U.S. was the WHO’s largest donor, contributing roughly 18% of its total budget.
While the withdrawal is operationally complete, a legal dispute remains regarding unpaid dues. The UN and WHO state that the U.S. still owes over $260 million in arrears, a claim the State Department has explicitly rejected.
Public health experts have labeled the move “scientifically reckless,” warning it could cripple global efforts to eradicate diseases like polio.
There are also concerns that the U.S. may lose early access to critical data on emerging viral threats.
The White House insists that America will maintain its leadership in global health through direct, bilateral partnerships.
By bypassing the “bloated bureaucracy” of the WHO, the administration aims to prioritize a more focused, “U.S.-first” approach to biosecurity.
As the American flag is lowered in Geneva, other global powers are expected to fill the leadership vacuum.
The WHO’s Executive Board is scheduled to meet in February to discuss the long-term financial and operational fallout of the departure.
