Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization, Freezes Funding [WATCH]

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), reversing the decision made by his predecessor, Joe Biden, in 2021.

The move follows Trump’s earlier efforts in 2020 to distance the U.S. from the United Nations agency, citing concerns about its transparency and alignment with global health priorities.

Biden had reversed Trump’s initial withdrawal notification upon taking office in 2021.

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The executive order, signed Monday, states: “The United States intends to withdraw from the WHO. The Presidential Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed on January 20, 2021, that retracted the United States’ July 6, 2020, notification of withdrawal is revoked.”

Trump’s directive tasks the Secretary of State with formally notifying the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the leadership of the WHO about the withdrawal.

The order also instructs the Secretary of State and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to take the following actions:

• Pause the transfer of U.S. funds, support, or resources to the WHO.
• Recall and reassign U.S. personnel or contractors working with the WHO.
• Identify credible U.S. and international partners to take over responsibilities previously handled by the WHO.

NEWS: President Trump withdraws United States from the World Health Organization @WHO!

Of all the Executive Orders he signed today, I consider this one of the most important.

It will be much harder to launch another scamdemic, with Influenza H5N1 or otherwise, without the US. pic.twitter.com/gbasLT8opg

— William Makis MD (@MakisMD) January 21, 2025

Shortly before the signing of the executive order, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as Secretary of State with a unanimous 99-0 vote.

Congratulations to Marco Rubio on his unanimous confirmation as Secretary of State—the first in President Trump’s Cabinet.

America is back and entering a golden age. pic.twitter.com/zXVyHqAICH

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 21, 2025

Rubio, who voted for himself before resigning from the Senate, is expected to oversee the withdrawal process and ensure compliance with Trump’s directives.

The WHO issued a statement on Tuesday expressing regret over Trump’s decision, urging the U.S. to reconsider.

“The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization,” the statement read.

“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw

The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.

WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s… pic.twitter.com/DT3QJ49bhb

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 21, 2025

In addition to the WHO withdrawal order, Trump signed multiple executive orders on Monday, including one declaring it U.S. policy to recognize two sexes, male and female, as “not changeable and grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”

This order reflects Trump’s broader agenda to address what he has described as “gender extremism.”

Trump’s inauguration marked his return to the White House as the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms, a distinction previously held only by Grover Cleveland in the 19th century.

The day was marked by a flurry of activity as Trump worked to implement campaign promises and reverse key policies of the previous administration.

As the withdrawal process from the WHO unfolds, the decision is expected to have significant implications for global health initiatives and the United States’ role in international health policy.

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