In 2020, the United States, under former President Donald Trump, initiated a withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision stemmed from dissatisfaction with the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its inability to adopt critical reforms. The administration also criticized the WHO for failing to maintain independence from political influences and for the disproportionate financial burden it placed on the U.S. Trump claimed that China exerted undue influence over the WHO, contributing significantly less than the U.S. despite its large population.
"China has total control over the World Health Organization despite only paying $40 million per year, compared to what the United States has been paying, which is approximately $450 million a year." – Trump
The disparity in contributions was a significant factor in the U.S. decision to withdraw. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes nearly 90% less to the WHO than the U.S. The American annual contribution stands at approximately $450 million, while China pays about $40 million. This financial imbalance raised concerns within the Trump administration about fairness and equity in funding global health efforts.
The procedural aspect of withdrawing from the WHO involves a one-year notice period, as specified by a 1948 Joint Resolution of Congress. President Trump issued an executive order to commence this process in July 2020. However, the move raised questions about whether a president could unilaterally withdraw or if congressional approval was necessary.
Health experts expressed concern that abandoning the WHO would leave the world more vulnerable to health threats and isolate the U.S., potentially harming its own interests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which heavily relies on WHO's global health data, would lose access to critical information.
Upon taking office in January 2021, President Joe Biden rescinded the withdrawal notice on his first day, signaling a recommitment to international cooperation in tackling global health challenges. This action underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing pandemics and other health crises.
