The United States has finalized its formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), concluding a process initiated under the previous administration. However, this departure is overshadowed by a significant financial dispute, with Washington reportedly owing the global health body roughly $260 million in outstanding membership fees, according to internal WHO calculations cited by media outlets.
Under the terms governing US participation, formal exit requires a one-year notice period and the settlement of all financial obligations. While the notice requirement has been met this week, effectively severing US ties, the substantial debt remains unresolved. The initial move to disengage was driven by accusations from former President Donald Trump regarding the WHO's perceived mismanagement and political alignment during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Biden administration initially paused the withdrawal in 2021, a subsequent executive order reinstated the exit strategy.
The non-payment stems from assessed dues for the 2024-2025 budget cycle, which were halted following the initial withdrawal order. Senior US officials have reportedly suggested that there is no binding statutory requirement compelling the clearance of these arrears prior to finalization of the exit, asserting that the WHO lacks effective enforcement mechanisms. This legal interpretation is contested by some international law experts, who maintain that full financial settlement is a prerequisite for legal severance.
This unresolved financial entanglement raises procedural questions for the WHO. Reports indicate the agency may consider a resolution at the World Health Assembly to formally block the US exit until the outstanding balance is cleared. The matter is anticipated to be a key agenda item during the May 2026 assembly, where the WHO's legal options for debt recovery will likely be scrutinized.
The WHO departure is emblematic of a broader strategic recalibration by Washington away from multilateral institutions deemed inconsistent with current national interests. This follows recent withdrawals from UNESCO and planned disengagement from dozens of other UN forums addressing climate and migration. The ongoing financial friction with the WHO underscores the increasing geopolitical strain on global governance structures, potentially complicating future international health security cooperation.
Source attribution: Adapted from reports by Bloomberg and CNN, citing WHO data.