The United States is scheduled to officially withdraw from the World Health Organization on Thursday, in a move that has drawn warnings about potential consequences for U.S. and global health. President Donald Trump first signaled the departure on the first day of his 2025 presidency via executive order. Under U.S. law, the country is required to give one-year notice and settle outstanding fees before leaving. Washington still owes the WHO around $260 million for 2024 and 2025.
A State Department spokesperson defended the decision, citing what the administration views as the WHO’s failures to manage, contain, and share information during global health crises. The spokesperson said Trump had exercised his authority to halt future U.S. contributions, arguing that American taxpayers had already paid more than their fair share.
Global Response and Legal Concerns
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the U.S. to reconsider, warning that withdrawal would be a loss for both the United States and the wider world. Experts also flagged legal issues: Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University said the move violates U.S. law requiring payment of dues, though enforcement appears unlikely.
Prominent global health figures, including Bill Gates, emphasized the critical role of the WHO and said they did not expect a short-term reversal. Gates noted that while he personally advocates for U.S. engagement, the world’s public health infrastructure will now face new strains.
Implications for WHO and Global Health
The U.S. has traditionally been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing roughly 18% of its budget. Its departure has created a funding shortfall that has already prompted staff reductions and cutbacks in agency operations. The WHO expects to halve its management team and shed about a quarter of its workforce by mid-2026.
Public health experts warn that the withdrawal could weaken global systems for detecting, preventing, and responding to emerging health threats. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Kelly Henning said the move risks undermining collaboration networks that the U.S. and the international community rely on to manage pandemics and other crises.
With information from Reuters.
