Q&A on Trump’s Impending Exit from the World Health Organization

As part of a& rash& of executive orders completed on his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump began the nation’s exit from the World Health Organization, the U.N agency dedicated to improving the health of all people. Although it will be a year before the U.S. can formally part ways with the group, experts have roundly criticized the decision, calling it “cataclysmic,” “dangerous” and “an enormous mistake.” The U.S. helped found the WHO in 1948 and has been its& most influential& member and& largest donor, helping to facilitate some of public health’s& biggest successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and the drastic decline in polio. Trump’s order was not a surprise. In his previous term, Trump& initiated& a departure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he had& signaled& his intent to do so again — even if many in public health had& hoped& he would change his mind. Here, we explain how the withdrawal would work and what it would mean, both domestically and abroad. We also fact-check the president on claims about WHO funding. What did the executive order say? The& executive order, which Trump signed about& eight hours& into his second term, effectively serves...