Former President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would contemplate rejoining the global health organization, provided that it undergoes significant reforms, just days after the United States’ withdrawal from the organization was formalized.
During a rally in Las Vegas, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the World Health Organization’s management of global health crises, with a particular emphasis on the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am uncertain as to whether we would be inclined to repeat the process.” It is possible that we would. He stated, “They would be required to clean it up.”
The consequences of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization
On January 22, 2026, the United States will formally resign from the World Health Organization. This will have far-reaching consequences. The United States has a long-standing tradition of sponsoring health programs worldwide, as it is the largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization. $6.8 billion was allocated for the 2024–2025 budget period. The United States was contributing approximately 18%.
In that regard, the impact may potentially jeopardize the critical health work of all relevant countries that are concerned with the management of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Analysts also suggest that the withdrawal of the United States will impede the World Health Organization’s capacity to manage emergency situations in any area where a country such as the United States has a greater interest, including those that are disadvantageous to developing countries. This would result in the United States being more susceptible to future pandemics in a more subtle manner, as it would deny the country valuable data and international cooperation opportunities in health matters.
Trump’s Position on the World Health Organization and Global Contribution
He has consistently criticized the funding model for the World Health Organization, asserting that the United States contributes significantly more than any other country, and, he further asserts, significantly more than China, despite the fact that Chinese countries have significantly larger populations. He made the same statement in Las Vegas, expressing his frustration with an unjust system that places the cost burden on financial contributors.
Trump made some economic comments outside of the World Health Organization, in which he stated that he would insist that Saudi Arabia increase investment. As a result, the pledged investment from Saudi Arabia into the United States increased from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
Although the statements made by Trump suggest that he is considering a review of WHO membership, it is unclear whether this involves a discussion or a reform. The future of global health cooperation is eagerly anticipated by the global community.
