Trump announces US withdrawal from World Health Organization on first day back in office
cnn.com —
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day back in office. This decision follows a previous attempt to exit the organization in 2020, which was halted by President Joe Biden. Trump cited the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived political influences as reasons for the withdrawal. Critics, including public health experts, have condemned the move, arguing it could weaken global health efforts and increase China's influence. The executive order directs a pause on U.S. funding to the WHO, but a full withdrawal will take a year. Experts have raised concerns about the legality and implications of this decision for U.S. global health engagement.