WASHINGTON / GENEVA — The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) as of Thursday (January 22, 2026), ending its membership as the largest financial contributor to the global health body.
President Donald Trump had announced his intention to leave the WHO on the first day of his second term in 2025 through an executive order. The U.S. government has now confirmed that it will not participate as an observer and has no plans to rejoin the organization in the future.
“We do not intend to participate as an observer, and there are no plans to rejoin,” a senior U.S. health official said.
Under U.S. law, withdrawal from the WHO typically requires one year’s notice and settlement of outstanding dues totaling approximately $260 million. However, the U.S. State Department stated that existing legislation does not require outstanding payments to be settled prior to withdrawal.
“The American people have paid more than enough,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed that all U.S. funding to the WHO has been terminated. The American flag has also been removed from the WHO headquarters in Geneva.
Financial Shock to WHO
The decision has triggered a significant financial crisis within the WHO. The organization has been forced to cut its budget, reduce its senior management team by half, and is expected to lay off around 25 percent of its staff by mid-year. The United States previously accounted for approximately 18 percent of the WHO’s total funding.
Global health experts have warned that the move could undermine international health security, particularly in areas such as pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and vaccine coordination.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates stressed that the world continues to need the WHO, while the organization’s leadership urged Washington to reconsider its decision.
The WHO Executive Board is scheduled to formally discuss the U.S. withdrawal during its meeting in February.
By Faisal / FKY
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