Experts warn Trump's WHO withdrawal could heighten pandemic risks

President Donald Trump has begun the process to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time. This move raises concerns among experts about the potential negative impact on global health efforts, particularly in combating infectious diseases. Trump's executive order includes pausing U.S. funding to WHO and reassigning federal personnel. This decision follows a previous attempt to withdraw in 2020, which was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Experts warn that this withdrawal could weaken global health defenses against pandemics. The U.S. has historically been a major donor to WHO, contributing hundreds of millions annually. Losing this funding could severely affect global health initiatives and limit U.S. involvement in critical health decisions and responses to outbreaks.