President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The decision follows Trump’s long-standing criticism of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He argued that the US has been contributing more funds to the organization than China, claiming the WHO “ripped us off.”
The US has been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, and the move to leave could cause significant disruptions to the global health body’s work.
This marks Trump’s second attempt to sever ties with the organization.
Previously, during his first term, he moved to withdraw, accusing the WHO of being too influenced by China in the early stages of the pandemic.
This decision was reversed by President Biden.
In the new executive order, Trump directed government agencies to halt funding and support for the WHO, and to find other credible partners to take over activities previously managed by the WHO.
The US also plans to review and possibly cancel Biden’s 2024 Global Health Security Strategy, which focuses on tackling infectious disease threats.
This action comes amid concerns about the bird flu outbreak (H5N1), which has caused several infections and one death in the US.
The WHO member states are currently negotiating a global treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness, a process that will now continue without US involvement.
