U.S. Set to Exit World Health Organization Amid Legal and Financial Dispute

The United States is set to formally exit the World Health Organization on Thursday, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on the first day of his presidency in 2025. Under U.S. law, Washington must give a one‑year notice period and clear all outstanding dues before departure, including the $260 million owed to the organisation.

The move has drawn concerns from global health experts who argue that the withdrawal will negatively affect both U.S. health interests and international disease‑control systems. The WHO also confirmed that the U.S. has not yet settled its fees for 2024 and 2025, adding to uncertainty over the process.

Withdrawal Follows Executive Order Issued In 2025

The withdrawal stems from an executive order signed on the first day of President Trump’s 2025 term, setting in motion the process to leave the WHO. The legal requirement mandates a 1‑year notice period before exit, during which all outstanding contributions must be paid in full.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has not yet cleared its pending dues, raising questions over compliance with domestic statutes governing international withdrawals. Despite these obligations, the administration has remained firm on its decision to discontinue future funding.

U.S. State Department Cites WHO Failures as Justification

A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated on Thursday that the WHO’s shortcomings in containing and sharing information about global health risks had cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. The spokesperson added that the president had exercised authority to pause future transfers of U.S. government funds, support or resources to the WHO.

Officials argued that American taxpayers had already contributed sufficiently to the organisation and the financial impact was beyond what they considered acceptable. This viewpoint reflects the administration’s stance that the WHO’s performance did not justify continued U.S. involvement.

Global Health Leaders Urge Reconsideration of U.S. Exit

Several global health experts have voiced concerns about the withdrawal and have called for a reassessment of the decision. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently reiterated his appeal for the U.S. to reconsider, noting that the departure would harm both the U.S. and the international community.

Health policy specialists have emphasised that sustained cooperation is essential for coordinated global health responses. This sentiment reflects widespread apprehension across international health networks regarding the consequences of the exit.

Read More: US Signs Trade Deal with Taiwan. 

Conclusion

The U.S. decision to exit the WHO has sparked significant concern among global health leaders, legal experts and international policymakers. With unpaid dues and statutory requirements still unresolved, the withdrawal remains contentious both domestically and internationally.

As the WHO prepares to discuss the implications in its upcoming meeting, uncertainty persists regarding how the departure will be managed. The situation highlights broader debates about international cooperation, global health governance and the role of major economies in multilateral organisations.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.