Trump's Plan Would Be 'Disastrous' for Global Health, Experts Say

The team of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump argues that the United States should swiftly withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This information was reported by the Financial Times, with Trump's associates planning to announce the withdrawal on his inauguration day, January 20.

Experts interviewed by the publication labeled the plan to exit the WHO as 'disastrous' for global health. The United States is the largest donor to the WHO, having contributed nearly 16% of its funding in recent years. Ashish Jha, a former coordinator for COVID-19 response in Joe Biden's administration, told the FT that part of the newly elected president's team wanted to reform the WHO under Washington's control, but those favoring a complete break with the organization were more influential.

During his first term in office, in the summer of 2020, Trump had already initiated the process for the U.S. to exit the WHO. At that time, he accused the organization of serving China's interests and for its lack of proper measures in response to the spread of the coronavirus. The U.S. was scheduled to officially leave the organization in July 2021; however, Joe Biden rescinded Trump’s executive order on his first day in office.