United States Formally Completes Withdrawal from World Health Organization

The United States has officially ended its membership in the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of State announced the completion of the withdrawal process on January 22, 2026.
In a joint statement, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt needed reforms, and its susceptibility to political influence from member states as the primary reasons for the decision.

Citing Failures in Pandemic Response and Transparency

The U.S. statement outlined a series of grievances stemming from the early days of the coronavirus outbreak. It accused the WHO of delaying the declaration of a global health emergency and pandemic, “costing the world critical weeks.” The organization was also criticized for echoing China’s response despite “evidence of early underreporting” and for downplaying risks related to asymptomatic and airborne transmission.
Furthermore, the U.S. criticized the WHO’s report on the origins of COVID-19, stating it rejected the possibility of a laboratory creation while China withheld key genetic data and information on activities at labs in Wuhan.

A Year-Long Process Leading to Formal Exit

The withdrawal process was initiated by President Trump on January 20, 2025. Over the subsequent year, the United States ceased funding the WHO, withdrew all personnel, and began redirecting its global health activities to direct bilateral engagements with other nations and organizations.
With the formal exit now complete, U.S. coordination with the WHO will be limited solely to finalizing the withdrawal. The nation will no longer participate as a member state in the UN health agency’s decision-making processes or programs.

A New Path for U.S. Global Health Leadership

The announcement reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to global health leadership but outside the WHO framework. “Going forward, the U.S. government will continue its global health leadership through existing and new engagements directly with other countries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based entities,” the statement said.
The new approach will prioritize emergency response, biosecurity, and health innovation, aiming to “protect America first while delivering benefits to partners around the world.”