U.S. Finalizes Exit From WHO, Leaving Agency Owing $280 Million
U.S. finalized withdrawal from WHO on Jan. 22, 2026, leaving about $280 million in unpaid dues, WHO said.
Overview
Federal officials said Thursday that the United States finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization on Jan. 22, 2026, leaving the agency with about $280 million in unpaid dues, WHO said.
The withdrawal follows a Jan. 22, 2025 notification beginning a one-year notice period after President Donald Trump cited WHO9s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to federal records.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a post on X that the reasons U.S. officials gave for the withdrawal were "untrue" and that the move "makes both the U.S. and the world less safe," WHO said.
WHO said it has frozen recruitment, restricted travel, suspended office refurbishments and put staffing on track to fall about 22 percent by mid-2026 as it adjusts to lost U.S. funding.
WHO said the withdrawal and unpaid dues will be examined at the WHO Executive Board meeting Feb. 2-7, 2026 and at the World Health Assembly in May 2026, while U.S. officials said they will not make payments and plan bilateral disease-sharing arrangements, a dispute experts warn could limit U.S. access to early outbreak intelligence.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the U.S. withdrawal as risky and ill‑advised by foregrounding expert warnings, alarming statistics, and institutional consequences while briefly noting administration claims. Editorial choices—selecting critical public‑health experts, highlighting CDC death totals and WHO coordination, and linking the move to prior withdrawals—produce a cumulative negative narrative.
Sources (9)
FAQ
The U.S. withdrawal was initiated by President Trump due to the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing its failure during the crisis and lack of reforms.
The U.S. is leaving approximately $280 million in unpaid dues, though some reports cite around $260 million.
The U.S. will lose access to key systems like the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, potentially hampering flu vaccine development and early outbreak intelligence.
WHO has frozen recruitment, restricted travel, suspended refurbishments, and plans a 22% staffing reduction by mid-2026; the issue will be discussed at upcoming Executive Board and World Health Assembly meetings.
Experts warn it jeopardizes U.S. and global health security, reduces influence allowing countries like China to fill the void, and is shortsighted for disease surveillance.
History
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