Washington D.C. : In a bold move hours after reclaiming the presidency, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision follows Trump’s controversial stance on the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its broader global health responses.
The executive order outlines the reasons for the withdrawal, citing the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its origin in Wuhan, China, and the organization’s failure to implement needed reforms. It also criticized WHO’s inability to remain independent from political influence by member states. The order further mentions that the United States is unfairly burdened with disproportionate financial contributions to the WHO compared to other nations, especially China, which has a population three times that of the U.S. yet contributes far less financially.
Should the U.S. officially leave the WHO, it would cease its significant financial contributions, making it a major blow to the organization as the U.S. is its largest donor.
In response, Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator under President Biden, called the move a “strategic error.” He warned that the U.S.’s withdrawal would create a political void that could be filled by China, potentially increasing its influence in global health matters.
Trump’s return to power has been historic in itself, marking only the second time in U.S. history that a president has reclaimed the office after being voted out, following Grover Cleveland’s return in 1893. Trump’s victory, which included overcoming two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction, has also resulted in a Republican majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, providing him with significant political leverage moving forward.
