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Donald Trump Withdraws the U.S. from the World Health Organization
In a decision that drew widespread international criticism, former U.S. President Donald Trump formally announced the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) during his presidency in July 2020. The move, which occurred amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, marked one of the most contentious decisions of his administration and underscored his growing skepticism of multilateral organizations.
Trump’s Justification
Trump accused the WHO of being overly influenced by China and failing to adequately respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. He alleged that the organization had “enabled” China’s lack of transparency regarding the virus’s origins and initial spread in late 2019. Trump argued that the WHO had “failed its basic duty” to act independently, labeling it a “puppet of China.”
The administration also pointed to discrepancies in the WHO’s early handling of the pandemic, such as its reluctance to declare COVID-19 a public health emergency in January 2020 and its opposition to early travel restrictions, including those imposed by the U.S.
The Financial Impact
The U.S. was the WHO’s largest single contributor, providing approximately $400 million annually—about 15% of the organization’s total budget. Trump’s withdrawal meant a significant reduction in funding at a time when the world was grappling with the worst pandemic in over a century. The decision also involved redirecting U.S. contributions to other global health initiatives, though critics argued that the abrupt withdrawal undermined international efforts to combat COVID-19.
Domestic and International Backlash
The withdrawal sparked outrage among public health experts, political opponents, and global leaders. Critics argued that the decision was politically motivated and harmful to global health efforts, particularly in low-income countries that rely heavily on WHO programs.
Domestically, Democratic lawmakers condemned the move, with then-presidential candidate Joe Biden pledging to reverse the decision if elected. Advocacy groups, including the American Medical Association, warned that cutting ties with the WHO during a pandemic could have dire consequences for global health security.
Internationally, the decision strained U.S. relations with allies and other global partners. Leaders in Europe, Asia, and Africa expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated global response to the pandemic.
Reversal Under the Biden Administration
True to his campaign promise, Joe Biden reversed the withdrawal on his first day in office in January 2021. Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the WHO, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to global health initiatives and multilateral cooperation.
Legacy of the Decision
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO highlighted his administration’s broader skepticism of international organizations and agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. While some applauded his “America First” approach, others saw it as an isolationist policy that weakened the U.S.’s global leadership.
The controversy over the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO remains a key example of the polarized debate over multilateralism and the role of international organizations in addressing global challenges. Whether it was a strategic move to demand accountability or a detrimental retreat from global cooperation is a question that continues to divide opinion.
Attached is a news article regarding trump withdrawing from health organisation
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/21/world/world-health-organization-trump-withdraw-explainer-intl
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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