Decoding Trump's Push to Leave the WHO: What’s Really Behind the Move?

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - On Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The move revives his earlier efforts to sever ties with the UN health agency and raises questions about its rationale and impact on global health.

The U.S. has been WHO's largest financial contributor, providing around 20% of its budget.

However, Trump has criticized the organization as "corrupt," accusing it of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, concealing information about the virus’s origins in Wuhan, and favoring China despite its comparatively minimal contributions.

During his first term, Trump accused WHO of mishandling the pandemic and alleged that the organization concealed critical information about the virus’s origins in Wuhan, China.

These claims formed the foundation of his renewed efforts to withdraw, with Trump labeling WHO a "globalist scam" that favors China despite its significantly smaller financial contributions compared to the U.S.

Experts warn the withdrawal could delay efforts against diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, weaken global health security, and hinder future health responses. Trump’s directive also calls for an expedited pause in U.S. funding.

The decision leaves many wondering about the broader implications for global health cooperation, as WHO and other member nations face the challenge of filling the void left by the departure of its most influential contributor.

Writer: Syifa Azzahra