The United States is set to officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, despite warnings that the move could negatively affect both U.S. and global health, and violate a U.S. law requiring the country to pay the $260 million it owes the agency.
President Donald Trump first announced his intention to leave the WHO on his first day in office in 2025 through an executive order. U.S. law mandates a one-year notice period and the settlement of all outstanding fees before departure.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated on Thursday that the WHO’s failure to effectively manage, contain, and share information has cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. The president, the spokesperson said, has used his authority to halt future U.S. government funding, support, or resources to the WHO.
“The American people have paid more than enough to this organization, and this economic hit is more than a down payment on any financial obligations to the organization,” the spokesperson added.
Global health experts and major funders, including Bill Gates, have urged reconsideration of the decision, though a reversal appears unlikely.
