The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has become one of the most controversial diplomatic shifts of 2026. The decision, announced and championed by the current administration, has attracted both support from within the ruling party and strong criticism from the political opposition and public health organizations both at home and abroad.
The process culminated after years of tensions between Washington and the WHO, which originally arose during the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified in recent years. US officials have argued that the organization did not act consistently with national interests during health crises and that certain international policies have favored governments considered “hostile” or opposed to US foreign policy.
“The WHO has failed in its fundamental responsibilities of transparency and global cooperation. The United States must prioritize the health of its citizens and its national interests,” the Secretary of State said in an official statement.
The withdrawal of the United States also means a significant loss of funding for the WHO. The country had historically been one of the organization's largest budget contributors, providing hundreds of millions of dollars annually for key initiatives such as disease surveillance, vaccination, and emergency health response.
WHO officials have expressed their “deep regret” but have assured that the organization will continue its global programs. Some nations and regional blocs have reaffirmed their commitment to the organization, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cooperation to address challenges such as antibiotic resistance, diseases exacerbated by climate change, and equitable access to vaccination.