By Guilhem Vellut
The United States will officially exit the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026, following a formal notification from President Donald Trump this week. UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq announced on Thursday that the withdrawal process has begun after Trump committed to leaving the WHO on his first day in office and ceasing future financial support for the organization.
I can verify that we have received the United States letter regarding the withdrawal from the World Health Organization, which is dated January 22, 2025. This withdrawal will take effect one year from yesterday, specifically on January 22, 2026, as stated by Haq.
Additionally, Trump has instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to suspend any future transfers of United States government funds, support, or resources to the WHO.
Furthermore, Washington has recalled all personnel from the US government who were engaged with the WHO and has directed them to discontinue their involvement in negotiations concerning a WHO-led global treaty aimed at addressing pandemics.
The withdrawal of the United States will result in the World Health Organization losing its primary financial supporter.
The United States accounts for approximately 18 percent of the organization’s funding, contributing around $261 million for the years 2024 and 2025. Following the United States, China ranks second with a contribution of $181 million. Experts indicate that the absence of its leading donor will hinder the WHO’s capacity to tackle significant health challenges, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and global pandemics.
During his initial term, Trump criticized the World Health Organization for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic and submitted a request to withdraw from the organization in July 2020.
This attempt to withdraw was ultimately unsuccessful, as Trump was defeated in the 2020 presidential election by Joe Biden, who promptly rescinded the withdrawal order upon taking office. Numerous health experts have since contended that Trump and his administration mishandled the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement expressing its regret regarding the announced withdrawal of the United States. The organization emphasized that its efforts are vital for safeguarding the health and security of individuals worldwide, including those in the United States.
The WHO expressed hope that the United States would reconsider its decision and conveyed its eagerness to engage in constructive discussions aimed at preserving the partnership between the US and the WHO, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of millions globally.
The United States became a member of the WHO in 1948 through resolutions passed by both houses of Congress, raising questions about whether President Trump can unilaterally terminate US membership without congressional consent, as noted by Jean Galbraith, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
The Republican Party, led by Trump, currently holds control over both the US Senate and the House of Representatives; however, legal experts indicate that the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) may still face judicial challenges.
Lawrence Gostin, the director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, stated on social media, “Trump made a unilateral decision to withdraw from WHO. However, our membership in WHO was established in 1948 through an act of Congress, meaning Trump requires Congressional approval to proceed with the withdrawal.” Gostin further emphasized, “This decision is too significant to be made without the involvement of Congress and the judiciary. As the director of a WHO Center, I am contemplating a lawsuit.”
