On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump revealed the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has sparked intense criticism from public health experts.
Trump cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to implement reforms, and alleged political influence as key reasons for the decision. “That’s a big one,” Trump told an aide while signing the executive order, referencing his 2020 attempt to exit the organization, which was blocked by President Joe Biden in 2021. Public health experts, including Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, have labeled the move a “strategic error,” warning it could strengthen China’s influence over global health matters.
Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University called the decision “cataclysmic,” arguing that it undermines both global health efforts and US leadership on the world stage.
In a separate action, Trump also signed an executive order to restart the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, criticizing the pact for its failure to align with American values and its impact on taxpayers.
“The United States’ success in balancing economic growth with environmental protection should serve as a model for others,” Trump remarked.
Both moves are subject to procedural timelines, and critics have raised concerns over their legality and potential long-term consequences.
