The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with the organization's handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was formalized through an executive order issued by the President on January 20, 2025.
According to the executive order, "The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises." The order also criticizes WHO for failing to adopt necessary reforms and for being influenced by political pressures from member states.
The order outlines several actions, including revoking a previous presidential letter that had retracted an earlier notice of withdrawal. It also revokes Executive Order 13987, which was aimed at organizing a unified response to combat COVID-19.
Furthermore, measures are set to be taken by various U.S. officials. These include pausing future funding transfers to WHO and recalling U.S. personnel working with the organization. The Secretary of State is tasked with notifying relevant parties about the withdrawal and halting negotiations on certain international health agreements.
The executive order specifies that it should not affect existing legal authorities or budgetary functions and does not create enforceable rights against the United States or its entities.
