The United States is set to leave the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026, following a formal notification by President Donald Trump, who has criticized the agency for mishandling the pandemic and other global health crises. The announcement came on Monday, hours after Trump began his second term as president.
The WHO expressed regret over the decision, as the US is its largest financial contributor, accounting for 18% of the organization’s funding. While the US owes its dues under a 1948 Congressional resolution, the precise amount remains unclear. The WHO’s two-year budget for 2024-2025 is $6.8 billion.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed the US withdrawal letter, stating that the decision will take effect a year from January 22, 2025, marking a significant blow to the global health organization. Experts warn that vital programs, such as those fighting tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, could be at risk due to the loss of US funding.
In his withdrawal order, Trump directed the cessation of US negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty and the recall of US personnel involved with the organization. Furthermore, the administration plans to seek new partners to take over essential WHO initiatives. Although Trump attempted to exit the WHO in 2020, the process was halted when Joe Biden became president in January 2021.
