Trump notifies UN of intent to withdraw from WHO

In July 2020, President Trump formally notified the United Nations of his intent to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision was influenced by Trump's criticism of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding its response to the outbreak that began in Wuhan. The administration argued that the WHO had failed to provide accurate information and had been overly influenced by China, which they claimed compromised the organization's effectiveness in managing global health crises. The notification initiated a process that would take a year to complete, during which the U.S. would cease its financial contributions to the organization, which had been significant in supporting global health initiatives. The withdrawal was met with widespread criticism from public health experts and international leaders, who warned that it could undermine global efforts to combat the pandemic and other health issues. They emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing health emergencies and the role of the WHO in coordinating responses to such crises. However, the planned withdrawal was short-lived. In January 2021, President Joe Biden, upon taking office, reversed Trump's decision and announced that the United States would resume funding the WHO. This move was part of a broader strategy to re-engage with international organizations and restore the U.S. leadership role in global health. Biden's administration highlighted the necessity of a strong WHO in the fight against COVID-19 and other health challenges, reaffirming the commitment to multilateralism. The U.S. had been one of the largest contributors to the WHO, and the decision to rejoin was seen as a critical step in strengthening global health security and fostering international collaboration in public health efforts.