The United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026, following a formal notification from President Donald Trump, the United Nations confirmed on Thursday, January 23. Trump has long criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.
The decision, first announced by Trump on January 22, 2025, comes shortly after his inauguration for a second term as president. The WHO expressed regret over the departure of its largest financial contributor on January 23.
Under U.S. law, a one-year notice must be given for withdrawal from the WHO, in line with a joint resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 1948. The United States is the WHO’s largest donor, providing approximately 18% of the organization’s total funding. The WHO’s budget for 2024-2025 stands at $6.8 billion, though the exact amount owed by the U.S. remains unclear.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN, confirmed the withdrawal timeline, stating, “I can confirm we have now received the US letter on the WHO withdrawal. It is dated 22 January 2025. It would take effect a year from yesterday, on 22 January 2026.”
Experts have warned that the U.S. withdrawal could jeopardize vital global health programs, especially those addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. The WHO’s response to such emergencies may be significantly impacted by the loss of U.S. support.
The withdrawal order also includes an end to U.S. negotiations on the proposed WHO pandemic treaty and the recall of U.S. personnel working with the organization. The Trump administration has indicated that it will seek new international partners to take over key WHO initiatives.
This move follows Trump’s previous attempt to exit the WHO in 2020. However, the effort was halted when Joe Biden won the presidency and reversed the decision on his first day in office, January 20, 2021.
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