Executive Order 14155, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, marked a significant shift in U.S. global health policy by directing the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision had far-reaching implications for the country's involvement in global health initiatives and its relationship with international health organizations. The order was a continuation of Trump's previous criticisms of the WHO during
his first term, particularly regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Decision to Withdraw from the WHO
The decision to withdraw from the WHO was rooted in President Trump's dissatisfaction with the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his first term, Trump criticized the WHO for its alleged mishandling of the pandemic and its perceived political interference from member states. He argued that the WHO failed to act on information regarding the virus's origins in a laboratory in Wuhan, China. This criticism laid the groundwork for the eventual signing of Executive Order 14155, which formalized the U.S. withdrawal from the organization.
The executive order directed the Secretary of State to notify the United Nations and WHO leadership of the U.S. withdrawal. It also paused future transfers of funds and support to the WHO, recalled U.S. government personnel working with the organization, and sought alternative venues for activities previously undertaken by the WHO. This move was part of a broader strategy to reassess U.S. involvement in international health governance and to establish independent global disease surveillance systems.
Reactions to the Withdrawal
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO prompted a range of reactions from international and domestic stakeholders. The WHO expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the importance of its partnership with the United States in global health efforts. The organization highlighted past successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and the fight against polio, as examples of the benefits of U.S.-WHO collaboration.
Domestically, organizations like Doctors Without Borders criticized the withdrawal, warning of life-threatening consequences for humanitarian efforts and global health coordination. The O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University described the decision as a setback for global health governance, underscoring the U.S.'s role as a major financial contributor to the WHO.
The Future of U.S. Global Health Engagement
The withdrawal from the WHO raised questions about the future of U.S. engagement in global health initiatives. The Trump administration proposed spending $2 billion annually to develop independent global disease surveillance systems, a move that would require significant resources and coordination with international partners. This proposal reflected a shift towards a more unilateral approach to global health, focusing on U.S. interests and capabilities.
The decision to withdraw from the WHO was later reversed by President Joe Biden in January 2021, signaling a return to multilateral engagement in global health. This reversal highlighted the ongoing debate over the U.S.'s role in international health organizations and the balance between national interests and global cooperation.
