January 20, 2025
1 min read

Trump Cuts Ties with WHO, Cites Pandemic Mishandling

President Donald Trump took a bold step on Monday by announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day back in office. This decision, which comes as a continuation of his longstanding criticism of the UN’s public health body, signals a dramatic shift in US global health policy.

The official executive order, signed by Trump, condemns the WHO for its mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly its response to the outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China. The order also criticizes the WHO for failing to implement necessary reforms and for its perceived political influence from member states, which Trump argued compromised the agency’s independence.

Trump remarked that the move was a significant one, citing his belief that the US had been unfairly burdened with excessive financial contributions to the organization compared to other nations. The order also claims that the WHO continues to demand “unfairly onerous payments” from the United States.

This latest development follows Trump’s initial move in 2020 to begin the withdrawal process from the WHO, although his successor, President Joe Biden, reversed the decision six months later. Trump has repeatedly criticized the WHO for failing to hold China accountable for the early spread of Covid-19 and has described the agency as a “puppet of Beijing.” He has vowed to redirect the US contributions to domestic health initiatives.

As part of his new administration’s health policy, Trump has nominated several critics of the WHO, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services. This department oversees major US health agencies, including the CDC and FDA.

A spokesperson for the WHO declined to directly address Trump’s decision but referred to a December statement by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. During a press briefing, Tedros expressed confidence that the US would come to a final agreement on a pandemic response pact by May 2025.

Critics have warned that the US withdrawal could weaken global disease surveillance and emergency response systems, hindering efforts to combat future health crises.

ALSO READ-Trump Declares National Energy Emergency to Boost Oil and Gas Production

Previous Story

Trump Declares National Energy Emergency to Boost Oil and Gas Production

Next Story

Legal Battle Looms Over Trump’s Controversial Birthright Citizenship Order

Latest from -Top News

Vatican Hosts Final Rites for Pope Francis

The Argentine-born pontiff, the first from Latin America, died less than a month after returning home from a prolonged five-week hospitalisation for double pneumonia….reports Asian Lite News In an outpouring of global

US Backs India’s Hunt for Pahalgam Terrorists

Gabbard’s “hunt down” message comes amidst escalating Indian response to the terrorist attack, saying it had clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

West visits Cambodia to strengthen ties 

The visit also addresses shared security concerns, including combating serious organised crime and human trafficking, and future defence cooperation initiatives  The UK and Cambodia are collaborating to advance climate initiatives and promote
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Special counsel probing Trump subpoenas Mike Pence

The extraordinary scenario of a former vice president potentially testifying

6 African countries to be part of WHO’s mRNA vax tech project

The ultimate goal is to extend capacity building for national