Washington halted funding for the WHO and withdrew its staff from all its offices, as reported by the Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, the U.S. exited various governing bodies and working groups supported by the WHO. At the same time, a senior Health Department official noted that the law does not require the repayment of the debt prior to leaving the organization.
Health Secretary Robert Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement criticizing the WHO for its attempts to collect the debt. "Despite the fact that the U.S. was one of the founders and the largest sponsor of the WHO, the organization has pursued a politicized and bureaucratic agenda driven by countries opposing American interests," their statement said.
Trump announced the withdrawal from the WHO on the first day of his second presidential term, accusing the organization of ineffective actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and its inability to act independently of "inappropriate political influence." The president also pointed out that U.S. contributions were significantly higher than those of other countries.
