Executive order withdrawing from World Health Organization
January 20, 2025
Systemic Escalation
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Trigger
President Trump signed Executive Order 14155 on January 20, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order included stopping funding, recalling government employees working for WHO, and reconsidering pandemic response strategy.
Action Taken
Signed Executive Order 14155 on January 20, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization. The order included stopping funding, recalling government employees working for WHO, and reconsidering pandemic response strategy. The withdrawal was announced without proper Congressional consultation or approval. International leaders condemned the withdrawal as undermining global health cooperation. The move isolated the U.S. from international health efforts.
In His Own Words
"The WHO is a corrupt organization."
"We will not fund organizations that work against American interests."
"The WHO failed during the pandemic."
What's Wrong
Withdrawal from international organization without proper Congressional consultation or approval. WHO membership and funding are typically subject to Congressional oversight. The withdrawal was announced without proper process. International leaders condemned the withdrawal as undermining global health cooperation.
Impact
Diplomatic: Withdrawal from WHO undermines global health cooperation and U.S. international standing. International: Widespread condemnation from international leaders and health organizations. Operational: Isolates U.S. from international health efforts and pandemic response coordination. Economic: Stopped funding to WHO, affecting global health programs.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
Executive Order 14155 was signed on January 20, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization. The order included stopping funding, recalling government employees, and reconsidering pandemic response strategy. The withdrawal was announced without proper Congressional consultation. International leaders condemned the withdrawal as undermining global health cooperation.
Why Level 4?
Systemic escalation: Withdrawal from major international organization without proper process. Multiple guardrails bypassed: diplomatic channels, international law, Congressional authority. Measurable harm to global health cooperation and pandemic response. Widespread international condemnation.