US to exit WHO? Trump team revives 2020 plan on day one of new term
Updated: Dec 24th, 2024
Ahead of Donald Trump’s tenure, reports have emerged that his presidential transition team is planning to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of his second term.
Trump nominated several important figures for the US Health Department, including Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is known for his critiques of the WHO. Speculations are also rife about the possibility of the US withdrawing from the WHO.
If the US leaves the WHO, it could weaken the organisation and increase China’s influence on global health, believe the experts.
The US, contributing 16% of the WHO’s funding in 2022-23, is its largest single donor. A sudden withdrawal would leave a significant gap in global health financing, efforts, and leadership, especially in addressing future public health crises, as per media reports.
Experts believe that if Trump follows through on leaving the WHO, it would signify a major shift in US health policy. Additionally, it would isolate the US from global efforts to combat pandemics.
In 2020, Trump initiated the process to withdraw from the WHO, but President Joe Biden reversed this decision. Trump has argued that the WHO failed to hold China accountable for the early spread of COVID-19 and has described the organisation as a ‘puppet of China’.
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