The United States is set to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, despite warnings the move will harm both domestic and global health efforts and may violate U.S. law requiring Washington to settle roughly $260 million in outstanding dues to the U.N. agency.
President Donald Trump notified the WHO of the decision on the first day of his 2025 presidency through an executive order.
U.S. law mandates a one-year notice period and the full payment of all arrears before a withdrawal can take effect.
A State Department spokesperson said Thursday the administration holds the WHO responsible for failing to contain, manage and share critical information, a lapse it says cost the United States trillions of dollars.
The president, the spokesperson added, has exercised his authority to halt any future transfers of U.S. government funding, support or resources to the organization.
