United States Finalizes Withdrawal From World Health Organization

The decision follows President Donald Trump's announcement a year ago. (ASSOCIATED PRESS, CNN, WHO)

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | National News

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The United States has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending a 78-year partnership following a decision announced one year ago by President Donald Trump, federal officials confirmed Thursday.

Despite the formal withdrawal, the separation is not without complications. According to the WHO, the United States still owes more than $130 million in outstanding financial obligations. Trump administration officials have disputed that requirement, asserting the U.S. is not legally bound to pay dues after withdrawal.

Public health experts warn the move could significantly weaken both global and domestic responses to emerging health threats. The WHO serves as the United Nations’ specialized agency for public health, coordinating responses to outbreaks such as Ebola, polio, mpox, and influenza, while also providing technical support, vaccine distribution, and health guidelines worldwide. Nearly every nation is a member.

The United States has historically been one of the WHO’s largest contributors, paying an average of $111 million annually in mandatory dues and an additional $570 million in voluntary contributions, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

President Trump cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary reason for withdrawal, pointing to early guidance on masking and airborne transmission, as well as concerns over the organization’s independence and governance structure. Administration officials also criticized the lack of American leadership at the agency.

Health policy experts, however, say the U.S. exit could limit access to critical disease surveillance data and hinder vaccine development. Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, warned the decision could leave the U.S. vulnerable to future pandemics by reducing early-warning capabilities.

The withdrawal also ends U.S. participation in WHO committees that help determine seasonal flu strains and guide vaccine formulation, raising concerns among infectious disease specialists about long-term public health preparedness.

While administration officials say the U.S. will pursue direct data-sharing agreements with other countries, details on those arrangements have not been disclosed.

Continue following The Weekly Ledger News for all your local, late-breaking, and community news.

©️2026 The Weekly Ledger News. All rights reserved.

This report is based on information from AP and CNN.

We Keep You Connected and Informed