The United States government has officially disengaged from the World Health Organization (WHO) in a move underscored by allegations of inadequate pandemic response and political discord between the agency and U.S. priorities. This step fulfilled a promise made by President Donald Trump early in his second term and was publicly confirmed in a joint announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The official statement detailed that although the U.S. was a founding contributor to the WHO and remains its largest financial backer, it contends that the organization has pursued political aims that diverge from the interests of the United States. This rationale has driven the decision to cease all funding efforts and withdraw U.S. personnel from WHO programs.
Funding and Personnel Withdrawn Amid Criticism of WHO Actions
According to a formal declaration issued by the U.S. Department of State on Thursday, the country has suspended all monetary support and staffing engagements involved in WHO initiatives. The only ongoing interactions with the organization pertain to overseeing a responsible and secure departure strategy to ensure the continued protection of American public health.
Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Jim O’Neill, elaborated on social media platform X that part of the impetus for disengagement stemmed from the WHO’s response to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized the agency for disregarding timely warnings from Taiwan in 2019 by essentially acting as if Taiwan was non-existent. Additionally, O'Neill claimed that the WHO neglected sound scientific advice and instead advocated for lockdown policies during the pandemic. He emphasized that the U.S. intends to maintain international cooperation on infectious disease matters but explicitly without involvement from the "Eurocrats in Geneva," hinting at a disconnect with the WHO’s leadership and operational framework.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts at Withdrawal
This definitive withdrawal follows a similar attempt initiated by President Trump in 2025, who raised comparable concerns regarding the governance and financial practices of the WHO. That prior decision was reversed when Joe Biden assumed the presidency, but the renewed move indicates a persistent skepticism within parts of the U.S. administration about the organization’s alignment with American interests and its capacity to manage global health crises effectively.
The United States, having been instrumental in founding the WHO, has historically played a significant role both politically and financially. The latest severance, however, illustrates a fundamental and institutional shift in the country’s approach to participation in global health governance mechanisms.
This ongoing disengagement from the WHO has drawn considerable attention regarding the future structure of international health collaboration, given the prominent role the U.S. had in shaping and financing the agency. The implications of this move on global health initiatives and infectious disease management efforts are yet to fully materialize.
Reporting by Caleb Monroe, Consumer Analyst with expertise in market dynamics and organizational behavior in the international health and government sectors.