The Trump administration has formally withdrawn the United States from the World Health Organization, ending funding and participation. Officials argue the WHO failed during COVID-19 and undermined U.S. sovereignty through global health mandates. The move continues a broader rollback from international institutions viewed as counter to U.S. interests.
The U.S. has officially exited the WHO under President Trump, cutting funding, recalling officials, and rejecting pandemic treaties. The administration cites COVID failures, political influence, and U.S. sovereignty. WHO disputes the exit. #WHO #AmericaFirst pic.twitter.com/GmofgwrYC9
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 23, 2026
- The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization as of Jan. 22, 2026.
- A joint statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the move, citing WHO failures during COVID-19 and political influence by member states.
- President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending U.S. funding, recalling U.S. representatives, and withdrawing from WHO pandemic agreements.
- The U.S. had provided roughly 22% of WHO funding, averaging $237 million annually between 2012–2024.
- The administration says it will not pay the $278 million in outstanding dues for 2024–2025.
- WHO has not formally accepted the withdrawal and disputes the U.S. position, stating it still considers the U.S. a member.
- The withdrawal follows earlier exits from the Paris Climate Accord and dozens of UN-affiliated climate and social justice organizations.
