US Ends Ties with WHO Citing COVID Failures

Washington, January 23 – The United States has officially ended its membership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The Trump administration stated that this decision fulfils a promise made by President Donald Trump on his first day in office.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the withdrawal was implemented through an executive order signed by President Trump. The move aims to free the US from WHO’s restrictions and address the losses suffered due to the organisation’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement said, “Today, the US has separated itself from the World Health Organization, as President Trump pledged on his first day. This step responds to WHO’s shortcomings during the COVID-19 crisis, which adversely affected the American people.”

The administration accused WHO of straying from its core mission and acting against American interests. Despite being a founding member and the largest financial contributor, the US claims the organisation ignored its concerns.

According to the Trump administration, WHO adopted a political and bureaucratic agenda influenced by countries opposed to the US. It also failed to share timely and accurate information during the pandemic.

The statement further alleged that these failures put American lives at risk and that mistakes were later concealed under the guise of public health interests.

After the US decision to exit, the administration said WHO’s conduct was disrespectful, including reportedly refusing to hand over the American flag at its headquarters and denying approval of the US withdrawal.

The joint statement added, “Despite being our founding member and biggest supporter, the US faced humiliation until the very end.”

The US government clarified that its contact with WHO will now be limited to completing the withdrawal process and protecting the health and safety of American citizens. All US funding and staffing related to WHO have been terminated immediately.

The administration stated that the US will now lead global health efforts through bilateral partnerships with countries and reliable health institutions. It described WHO as a heavy and inefficient bureaucracy.

This decision was made to honour Americans who lost loved ones during the pandemic, especially elderly people in nursing homes, and business owners who suffered due to COVID restrictions.

It is notable that the US was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and remained its largest donor for many years.