Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw US from WHO Again

Public health experts are expressing concerns that the United States' departure from the World Health Organization (WHO) could severely impact its operations or give China a chance to increase its influence over the agency.

Donald Trump has criticized the WHO for years, blaming it for the coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, Trump accused the organization of acting as a public relations agency for China and announced the U.S. withdrawal from the global health alliance. However, his successor Joe Biden reversed this decision upon taking office in January 2021.

Now, Trump has signed an executive order terminating America's commitment to the WHO once again. This move has alarmed allies of the WHO, who argue that the organization has worked diligently against the pandemic. WHO leaders are urging the U.S. to reconsider, noting that there’s a year-long formal process involved in withdrawing.

Trump’s earlier grievances, including costs associated with U.S. participation, raise doubts about whether he could be persuaded to rejoin. Experts warn that the U.S. withdrawal could cripple the WHO’s operations, as the U.S. provides nearly 20% of its funding, and it may allow China to gain greater control.

"Things have come full circle," remarked J. Stephen Morrison, managing global health policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The U.S. has historically been a significant contributor to the WHO, helping shape global health policies and responses to crises such as the recent outbreaks of the Marburg virus and H5N1 bird flu.

Loyce Pace, former liaison to the WHO, emphasized the organization's crucial role in combating diseases worldwide, stressing that viruses do not recognize international borders. Trump's decision could have catastrophic ramifications for global health efforts, as WHO aims to tackle various health threats, including vaccine-preventable diseases.

Trump reiterated his criticisms of the WHO, stating it operates inefficiently compared to China. While he initially praised the organization at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he quickly pivoted to attacking its responsiveness and perceived biases, particularly regarding information Transparency from China.

Democrats and Republicans alike have criticized the WHO’s ongoing work to create a new treaty for future pandemics, asserting it could interfere with U.S. intellectual property rights and accountability for China concerning the coronavirus's origins.

The WHO, which has endeavored to maintain its position and value amidst political shifts, currently faces uncertainties about how it can adapt to Trump's withdrawal. Health experts are wary of the potential implications on broader health initiatives if U.S. ties to global health organizations weaken significantly.

Overall, the future of U.S. participation in global health leadership remains precarious as the world braces for the next health crisis.