According to information from the Department of Health and Human Services, Washington ceased funding the WHO and withdrew its staff from all offices and headquarters. Additionally, the United States exited various governing bodies and working groups supported by the WHO. A representative from the Department of Health noted that the legislation does not specify that the debt must be settled before leaving the organization.
A joint statement was made by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which they accused the WHO of demanding compensation. "Despite the fact that the U.S. was one of the founders and largest sponsors of the WHO, the organization acted in a politically motivated and bureaucratic manner, influenced by countries hostile to U.S. interests," their statement said.
The withdrawal from the WHO was formalized on the first day of President Trump's second term. He criticized the organization for its ineffective actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and for lacking independence from "unacceptable political influence." Furthermore, one of the reasons that prompted Trump to leave the WHO was the high payments, which he believed exceeded the contributions of other countries.
