EO 14155: Withdrawing the United States From the World Health Organization
ANALYSIS: The order cites concerns over the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived failure to implement necessary reforms, and susceptibility to political influence from member states. Additionally, it highlights disparities in financial contributions, noting that countries like China, with larger populations, contribute significantly less than the U.S.
This executive action aligns with the objectives outlined in Project 2025 which advocates for reducing U.S. involvement in international organizations that are viewed as misaligned with national interests or inefficient in addressing global challenges. The decision to withdraw from the WHO reflects this stance, emphasizing a preference for reallocating resources to domestic health initiatives and seeking alternative international partnerships.
Potential negative impacts:
Global Health Coordination: The WHO plays a pivotal role in coordinating international responses to health emergencies. U.S. withdrawal could hinder global efforts to manage pandemics and other health crises, potentially leading to less effective containment and mitigation strategies.
Funding Gaps: The U.S. has historically been one of the largest contributors to the WHO's budget. Its departure may result in significant funding shortfalls, affecting programs aimed at combating diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, particularly in developing countries.
Influence on Global Health Policies: By withdrawing, the U.S. forfeits its ability to influence WHO policies and initiatives. This absence could allow other nations to steer global health agendas in directions that may not align with U.S. interests or values.
Diplomatic Relations: The decision may strain relationships with allies who view the WHO as an essential institution for global health. This could lead to broader diplomatic repercussions beyond the health sector.
Domestic Public Health: The U.S. benefits from the WHO's research, data sharing, and early warning systems. Withdrawal might limit access to critical information, adversely affecting domestic public health preparedness and response capabilities.
CONCLUSION: Executive Order 14155 aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on reassessing U.S. participation in international organizations, it carries potential risks that could impact both global and domestic health outcomes. Referenced in Chapter 6: Department of State (Kiron K. Skinner), which uses the WHO’s “manifest failure” during COVID-19 to argue the U.S. must be ready to withdraw from international organizations that act against U.S. interests.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1 . Purpose. The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states. In addition, the WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries' assessed payments. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO.
Sec. 2 . Actions. (a) The United States intends to withdraw from the WHO. The Presidential Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed on January 20, 2021, that retracted the United States' July 6, 2020, notification of withdrawal is revoked.
(b) Executive Order 13987 of January 25, 2021 (Organizing and Mobilizing the United States Government to Provide a Unified and Effective Response to Combat COVID-19 and to Provide United States Leadership on Global Health and Security), is revoked.
(c) The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs shall establish directorates and coordinating mechanisms within the National Security Council apparatus as he deems necessary and appropriate to safeguard public health and fortify biosecurity.
(d) The Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall take appropriate measures, with all practicable speed, to:
(i) pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO;
(ii) recall and reassign United States Government personnel or contractors working in any capacity with the WHO; and
(iii) identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.
(e) The Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy shall review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy as soon as practicable.
Sec. 3 . Notification. The Secretary of State shall immediately inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations, any other applicable depositary, and the leadership of the WHO of the withdrawal.
Sec. 4 . Global System Negotiations. While withdrawal is in progress, the Secretary of State will cease negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and the amendments to the International Health Regulations, and actions taken to effectuate such agreement and amendments will have no binding force on the United States.
Sec. 5 . General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
