Trump announces U.S. withdrawal from World Health Organization

President Trump has announced the U.S. will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), fulfilling a pre-election promise. This decision follows his criticism of the agency's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ties to China. The withdrawal process will take one year, as established when the U.S. joined WHO in 1948. During his previous term, Trump halted funding to the organization, but President Biden reversed that decision before the withdrawal could be finalized. The U.S. is the largest donor to WHO, contributing over $1.2 billion in 2022 and 2023. Critics warn that leaving WHO could hinder U.S. access to vital health data and reduce its influence in global health decision-making.