On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14155 formally initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision was driven by profound failures in the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan, China; its persistent refusal to implement necessary reforms; and its lack of accountability, transparency, and independence. In fulfillment of this directive and following the required one-year notice period, the United States Government formally exited from WHO on January 22, 2026.

To fulfill President Trump’s Executive Order, the United States Government has taken the following actions:

• All U.S. government funding to the WHO has been terminated.
• U.S. personnel and contractors assigned to or embedded with the WHO have been recalled from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and WHO offices worldwide.
• Hundreds of U.S. engagements with WHO have been suspended or discontinued.
• The U.S. has ceased official participation in WHO-sponsored committees, leadership bodies, governance structures, and technical working groups.

Withdrawal from WHO has been a stated priority for the Trump Administration since 2020. During his first term, President Trump sought to withdraw the U.S. from WHO over its response to COVID-19.

Source: CDC.gov