The United States officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026. This historic move, led by President Donald Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr., ends decades of American leadership in global health, citing institutional mismanagement and a lack of independence.

US Completes Exit from World Health Organization

The formal exit follows a one-year notice period initiated by the Trump administration in early 2025. In a joint statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the administration declared that the United States is now "free from the constraints" of the Geneva-based agency.

The administration has recalled all US personnel from WHO headquarters and terminated all active funding. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the "America First" foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty over multilateral health agreements.

Reasons Behind the WHO Withdrawal

The White House cited several critical factors for the exit:

  • Pandemic Mismanagement: Alleged failures during the COVID-19 response.

  • Bureaucratic Bloat: RFK Jr. previously described the agency as "mired in bureaucratic bloat."

  • Lack of Independence: Concerns over the organization's susceptibility to "inappropriate political influence."

  • Sovereignty: A desire to reclaim American taxpayer dollars for domestic health priorities.

Global Health Funding Crisis and Unpaid Dues

The United States has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing nearly $1.3 billion during the 2022-2023 cycle. The sudden departure leaves a massive hole in the agency's budget, affecting programs ranging from polio eradication to maternal health.

The $260 Million Debt Controversy

Reports indicate that the US is leaving behind an unpaid debt of approximately $260 million in assessed contributions for 2024 and 2025. While a 1948 Congressional resolution mandates the payment of all dues before withdrawal, senior HHS officials have stated there is "no statutory requirement" to settle these debts before exiting.

Impact on Global Outbreak Tracking

Public health experts warn that the withdrawal will "hobble" the ability of US scientists to access global flu data and pathogen samples. Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University described the move as a "messy divorce" that could cripple international responses to emerging viral threats.

A New Era of Multilateral Disengagement

This withdrawal is part of a broader strategy. On January 7, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing the US to pull out of 66 international organizations. The administration argues these entities advance "globalist agendas" that do not serve American interests.

The move mirrors the 2020 attempt to leave the agency, which was reversed by the Biden administration in 2021. However, with the formal one-year clock having run out, the 2026 exit is now legally and operationally complete.