President Donald Trump has once again stirred global attention by signing an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move reignites a controversial decision he initially pursued during his first term, citing dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial inequities between member states.
Trump's Criticism of the WHO
The president has never shied away from voicing his concerns about the World Health Organization. During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized his dissatisfaction with the financial contributions made by the US compared to other countries.
“We paid USD 500 million to the World Health Organization, while China, with 1.4 billion people, paid only USD 39 million,” Trump remarked. “It seemed a little unfair to me.” He further criticized the organization’s inability to adopt necessary reforms and accused it of being overly influenced by certain member states, particularly China.
The Financial Imbalance
Trump’s grievances over the WHO’s financial structure have been a recurring theme. The United States has historically been the largest contributor to the World Health Organization, providing significant funding to support its global health initiatives. However, Trump argued that the financial burden placed on the US was disproportionate compared to other nations.
China, despite having a population of 1.4 billion, contributed significantly less. Trump claimed this disparity undermines the fairness and equity that should govern international organizations.
Timeline of US-WHO Relations
2020: Trump sent a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, notifying him of the US intention to withdraw within a year. This decision stemmed from the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accusations of favoring China.
2021: After losing the election, Trump’s decision was reversed by President Joe Biden, who restored US membership in the organization on his first day in office.
2025: Trump’s second term begins, and he immediately signs an executive order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization again.
The Executive Order Explained
The executive order outlines several reasons for the withdrawal:
COVID-19 Mishandling: Trump criticized the WHO’s response to the pandemic, accusing it of failing to act swiftly and transparently.
Lack of Reforms: The WHO’s inability to implement urgent reforms has been a major sticking point for the US administration.
Political Influence: Trump accused the organization of being overly influenced by certain member states, particularly China.
Unfair Financial Contributions: The US has consistently contributed more to the World Health Organization than other countries, which Trump deemed inequitable.
Impact of the Withdrawal
The decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization could have far-reaching consequences. The WHO stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, potentially impacting its ability to address global health crises. The move could also isolate the US from critical international health discussions and initiatives.
Global Reactions
Unsurprisingly, the announcement has drawn mixed reactions:
Supporters of Trump: They argue that the withdrawal is a necessary step to hold the WHO accountable and demand reforms.
Critics: They warn that the decision could undermine global health efforts and weaken the US’s leadership on the international stage.
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A Second Attempt at Independence
Trump’s latest executive order also calls for establishing new directorates within the National Security Council. These directorates aim to safeguard public health and strengthen biosecurity measures. By doing so, Trump hopes to create a robust domestic framework that reduces reliance on international organizations like the WHO.
Why Did Trump Withdraw from the WHO?
The crux of Trump’s argument lies in what he perceives as a lack of accountability and fairness within the World Health Organization. He believes the organization failed to properly address the COVID-19 pandemic and has been unable to demonstrate independence from political pressures.
What Happens Next?
Following the executive order, Trump has sent a formal notification to the UN Secretary-General, marking the official start of the withdrawal process. The move is expected to take a year to finalize, during which time the US may negotiate terms or reconsider its position.
Will the US Rejoin the WHO?
While Trump’s decision to withdraw seems resolute, the future remains uncertain. Political shifts and changes in administration could lead to yet another reversal, as seen during Biden’s presidency. For now, the US’s role in the World Health Organization hangs in the balance.
Read More: top 10 daily news updates 2024
Conclusion
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization for the second time highlights his administration’s dissatisfaction with the global health body. While the move aims to address financial inequities and demand reforms, it raises questions about the US’s commitment to global health leadership. Whether this decision will benefit the nation or isolate it further remains to be seen.
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