President Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order this week to formally withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The president described the departure as a necessary step to safeguard American sovereignty and financial resources.
President Trump wasted no time in enacting his vision once he was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States. Among the many executive orders that he signed was an order confirm the exit of the U.S. from the WHO.
Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R), who’s long criticized the WHO, applauded the president’s decision, writing on social media that the president’s effort “deserves both thanks and commendation.”
President Trump's Executive Order to get this country out of the World Health Organization deserves both thanks and commendation. The WHO doesn't serve our interests and doesn't deserve our money or our membership. It's a globalist propaganda machine that runs cover ... pic.twitter.com/4plPGgDl8b
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) January 21, 2025
“The WHO doesn’t serve our interests and doesn’t deserve our money or our membership. It’s a globalist propaganda machine that runs cover for the Chinese Communist Party and pushes woke nonsense on the rest of the world,” Rep. Roy wrote on social media, urging Congress to pass his proposed No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act. The bill would permanently prevent future administrations from allocating U.S. funds to the WHO.
... for the Chinese Communist Party and pushes woke nonsense on the rest of the world. Congress should follow the president's lead and take up and pass my bill — the “No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act" (H.R. 401) ...
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) January 21, 2025
The WHO responded to the United States’ departure by releasing a statement, expressing regret over the decision.
“WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans,” the statement read. It highlighted the WHO’s history of collaboration with the U.S., mentioning that their collaboration has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, nearly eradicating polio, and advancing global health security.
The WHO urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision of exiting, calling for “constructive dialogue” to reign in their long-standing partnership.
President Trump’s executive order marks a significant shift in U.S. engagement with international health efforts, a decision that has no doubt intensified debates over America’s role in global institutions.
