President Trump’s exit from the World Health Organization has sent shockwaves through the global health establishment. The international body now faces massive budget cuts and staffing reductions as America’s financial lifeline is severed.
At a glance:
• The WHO is facing a $600 million funding gap and plans to slash its 2026-27 budget by 21% following U.S. withdrawal
• Trump cited WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to adopt urgently needed reforms as reasons for withdrawal
• The U.S. was the largest contributor to WHO, providing approximately 20% of the organization’s total budget
• WHO leadership has announced job cuts at all levels and a complete organizational restructuring
• Health experts are concerned about potential impacts on global disease monitoring and pandemic response capabilities
Trump’s Decision Sends WHO Into Financial Tailspin
President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization has forced the global health body to announce drastic cuts to its budget and workforce. The WHO is now scrambling to address a massive financial shortfall after losing its largest financial contributor. It will also lose its American workforce, who will be “reassigned” inside the United States.
The U.S. exit, which stemmed from the WHO’s poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspected political influences, has created a nearly $600 million income gap for the organization. This financial crisis compelled the WHO to cut its 2026-27 budget by a staggering 21%, reducing it from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.
WHO Leadership Admits Devastating Impact
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus publicly acknowledged the severe consequences for the organization’s operations. “This announcement has made our financial situation more acute, and we know it has created significant concern and uncertainty for the WHO workforce,” Tedros stated.
An internal WHO memo painted an even bleaker picture. “The United States’ announcement, combined with recent reductions in official development assistance by some countries to fund increased defense spending, has made our situation much more acute,” the memo stated.
The WHO has confirmed it will undergo a radical restructuring and refinancing overhaul as it grapples with the loss of American funds. Job cuts will affect all levels, including senior leadership positions.
“Despite our best efforts, we are now at the point where we have no choice but to reduce the scale of our work and workforce,” the WHO memo admitted.
America First: Justifications For The Withdrawal
President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO came after repeated criticisms of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump described the U.S. financial contribution to the WHO as “onerous” and pointed to the organization’s “failure to adopt urgently needed reforms” as key justifications for the withdrawal. Many conservatives praise the President’s decision as putting American interests first and holding international organizations accountable.
The withdrawal process will take a full year to complete, during which American funding will continue, but with significant restrictions. U.S. federal staff have been instructed to cease all collaboration with the WHO, isolating America’s health experts from the global group.
Founded in 1948, the WHO has historically played a role in global health initiatives, including the eradication of smallpox and efforts to combat polio, malaria, and other infectious diseases. However, critics argue that it has become bloated, inefficient, and subject to political pressures.
Other member nations will now decide whether to increase their contributions to fill the gap or accept a reduced scope of WHO operations.
