US officially leaves World Health Organization

January 23, 2026 - 07:14

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), severing its decades-long membership with the Geneva-based United Nations agency. The departure, which took effect on July 6, 2021, concludes a year-long process initiated by the Trump administration.

Former President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal in July 2020, citing the WHO's alleged failure to enact meaningful reforms and criticizing its early handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration accused the agency of being overly influenced by China and lacking transparency as the coronavirus began spreading globally.

The exit triggers significant financial and logistical ramifications for the WHO. The U.S. has historically been the organization's largest single donor, contributing over $400 million annually. The withdrawal also removes American technical experts and diminishes U.S. influence on global health policy, surveillance, and vaccine distribution efforts.

Public health leaders globally have expressed deep concern, warning that the move undermines international cooperation during a historic health crisis. The Biden administration has previously stated its intent to re-engage with the WHO, but any reversal would require formal notification and likely the payment of outstanding assessed contributions. For now, the U.S. participation in the world's primary global health coordinating body has officially ceased.