Effective today, the United States has exited the World Health Organization, the White House announced in a Facebook post.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
The White House announces the United States is no longer a member of the World Health Organization. The United States’ exit is effective January 22, 2026, fulfilling President Trump’s pledge under an executive order signed one year ago. The administration cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing concerns about reform, accountability, and transparency as the reasons for the withdrawal, and said the U.S. will pursue global health leadership through direct partnerships and bilateral efforts rather than through the Geneva-based agency.
The move ends nearly 80 years of U.S. membership in the WHO, where the United States was once the largest financial contributor. Public health experts and global leaders have widely criticized the decision, warning it could weaken international disease response, disrupt data sharing and vaccine development, and create gaps in global health cooperation.
The WHO has said it regrets the U.S. departure and hopes for continued engagement. U.S. officials maintain the shift will better protect American health security and taxpayer interests.
