In 2020, president Donald Trump announced that the United States would halt funding to the World health Association (WHO) and subsequently initiated the process of withdrawing from the organization. This decision was significant as the U.S. had been a major contributor to WHO’s budget and played a crucial role in its operations [1[1].
On January 21, 2025, trump officially announced the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, marking a substantial shift in global health governance [2[2]. The withdrawal was criticized by global public health experts, with Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University, describing it as a “grievous wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the U.S.” [3[3].
As of 2025, the implications of this withdrawal continue to be felt in global health efforts and international relations.
U.S. Withdrawal from teh WHO: Implications and Expert Insights
Table of Contents
In January 2025, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has had meaningful repercussions for global health governance and international relations.The decision, announced by then-President Donald Trump in 2020, halted U.S. funding to the WHO and initiated a process that ultimately led to the withdrawal. This interview with global health expert Dr. Emily Hart explores the implications of this historic shift.
initial Declaration and Funding Halt
Q: Can you explain why president Trump decided to halt U.S. funding to the WHO and initiate the withdrawal process?
Dr. Emily Hart: President Trump’s decision to halt funding and withdraw from the WHO was largely driven by criticisms he had regarding the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.He believed the WHO was too closely aligned with China and did not act swiftly enough to contain the virus. This criticism was a significant factor in his decision to withdraw funding and eventually leave the organization.
Meaning of U.S. Involvement in the WHO
Q: How significant was the U.S. role in the WHO’s budget and operations?
Dr. Emily Hart: The U.S. was a major contributor to the WHO’s budget, providing around 15% of its funding. Additionally, the U.S. played a crucial role in the organization’s operations, influencing policies and initiatives. The withdrawal of such a significant player has led to a vacuum in leadership and financial support within the WHO.
Official Withdrawal and Global Impact
Q: What was the global reaction to the official announcement of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO?
Dr. Emily Hart: The official withdrawal was criticized by global public health experts and leaders worldwide. Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University, described it as a “grievous wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the U.S.” The move was seen as undermining global health efforts and weakening the international response to pandemics.
Implications for Global health Governance
Q: What are the long-term implications of the U.S. withdrawal for global health governance?
Dr. Emily Hart: The withdrawal has led to a shift in global health governance, with other countries and organizations stepping up to fill the void left by the U.S. Though, the loss of U.S.leadership and funding has created challenges in coordinating global health responses and maintaining the financial stability of the WHO.
Criticism and Future Prospects
Q: How do you think the withdrawal has impacted the U.S.’s standing in global health and international relations?
Dr. Emily Hart: The withdrawal has damaged the U.S.’s reputation in global health and international relations. It has been seen as a retreat from multilateralism and a failure to uphold international responsibilities. The future prospects depend on whether the U.S. can rebuild its relationships and re-engage with global health initiatives under new leadership.
conclusion
the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO has had profound implications for global health governance and international relations. As we look to the future, it is indeed essential to consider how the U.S.can re-engage with international health efforts to strengthen global health security and response capabilities.
