BREAKING: Trump Signs Executive Order For US Withdrawal From WHO

President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in global health diplomacy.

Speaking at the White House just hours after his inauguration, Trump criticized the UN health body for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accused it of favouring China at the expense of other nations.

Trump said, “World Health ripped us off.

“The United States has been paying far more to the WHO compared to China, and it’s time we put an end to that.”

The United States, traditionally the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, has provided substantial financial support that is integral to the WHO’s operations. The decision to withdraw is expected to trigger major restructuring within the WHO and disrupt ongoing global health initiatives.

In his executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.”

Repeating History

Naija News understands that this is not the first time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO.

During his first term, he issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China during the pandemic’s early stages.

However, this move was reversed by former President Joe Biden, who restored US membership and funding during his administration.

The Trump administration also announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which was aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats. The review is to begin “as soon as practicable,” according to Trump’s executive order.

The timing of the US withdrawal comes amid global concerns over the potential pandemic threat posed by the H5N1 bird flu outbreak.

The virus has already infected dozens and claimed one life in the United States, raising fears of another global health emergency.

WHO member states have been negotiating the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response since late 2021.