Trump Signals Potential Return to WHO Amid Funding Concerns
Jakarta – In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of rejoining the World Health Association (WHO), just days after announcing the US’s withdrawal from the global health body. Trump’s decision to leave the WHO, which he criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises, was met with widespread concern.
Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, Trump stated, “Maybe we’ll consider doing it again, I don’t know. Maybe we will. They have to clean it up.” This statement, reported by Reuters, comes as the US is set to officially exit the WHO on January 22, 2026. The withdrawal was announced shortly after Trump was sworn in for his second term in the White House.
The US has been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing approximately 18% of its funding.The organization’s latest two-year budget for 2024-2025 stands at $6.8 billion.Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the funding disparity, noting that the US contributes more than China, despite China’s substantially larger population.
Experts warn that a US exit could have severe consequences for global health initiatives. Programs addressing tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest infectious disease, as well as HIV-AIDS and other health emergencies, could be jeopardized. The withdrawal order signed by Trump also halts negotiations on the WHO pandemic agreement and mandates the redeployment of US personnel working with the organization.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| US Withdrawal Date | January 22, 2026 |
| WHO Budget (2024-2025) | $6.8 billion |
| US Contribution | 18% of total funding |
| Potential Impact | Jeopardizes programs for tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and health emergencies |
As the world watches this unfolding progress, the question remains: Will the US rejoin the WHO, or will its departure mark a meaningful shift in global health governance? For more insights on the WHO’s role in global health, visit World Health Organization.
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