Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the recent announcement regarding the United States’ intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). Trump, who had previously initiated the process of withdrawal during his presidency in 2020, expressed satisfaction over the decision and reiterated his criticisms of the global health body.
Trump accused WHO of being “China-centric” and of failing to adequately address the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, he argued that the organization had allowed China to influence its actions and decisions, ultimately contributing to the global spread of the virus. “I have always said WHO’s approach to the pandemic was flawed, and now the American people are seeing the consequences,” Trump remarked.
During his presidency, Trump announced the suspension of U.S. funding to WHO, accusing it of mismanaging the global health crisis and showing undue loyalty to China. The decision to withdraw from the organization was part of his broader strategy to reduce U.S. involvement in international organizations he believed were not serving the country’s best interests.
Trump’s comments have reignited debate over the role of global health institutions, with supporters of the former president praising his stance as a necessary step to hold WHO accountable. Critics, however, argue that disengagement from WHO could undermine global health efforts, particularly during a time when international cooperation is crucial for addressing ongoing health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the U.S. considers its future with WHO, the situation remains fluid, with experts and policymakers calling for careful deliberation to balance national interests with global health responsibilities.