Trump Administration Formally Withdraws U.S. from WHO

The Trump Administration this week sent a letter notifying the United Nations of its planned departure from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective July 6, 2021. The move by the Trump Administration follows an indefinite hold on all funding to the WHO ordered by President Donald Trump in April. President Trump expressed concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the WHO was too “China-centric.”

To leave WHO membership, the U.S. must provide a one-year notice and pay outstanding dues; as of June 30, the U.S. owes $198 million in unpaid membership dues to the WHO.