On his first day back in office, United States President Donald Trump issued a wave of executive orders, including controversial decisions to exit the World Health Organization, suspend foreign aid for 90 days, and withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The moves signal a significant shift in U.S. policy, sparking global concern and criticism.
Trump announced the U.S. will leave the WHO in 12 months and cease all financial contributions immediately. As the largest donor, the U.S. provides 18% of the WHO’s $6.8 billion 2024-25 budget. The withdrawal threatens crucial health initiatives, including efforts to combat Mpox, polio, and Ebola in vulnerable regions.
Trump defended the decision, stating, that withdrawing from the WHO is necessary for America’s interests.
In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO expressed hope that the U.S. would reconsider, emphasizing the importance of the partnership for global health. “We look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of millions worldwide,” the organization stated.
In a separate executive order, Trump paused all foreign development assistance for 90 days pending a review. Aid organizations fear the suspension will disrupt ongoing humanitarian projects, leaving critical work in jeopardy.
Revisiting a decision from his first term, Trump also signed an order to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global pact to mitigate climate change.
The formal withdrawal process will take one year.
The U.S. now joins Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only nations outside the agreement.
Critics have condemned the move, warning it undermines global efforts to address the climate crisis. President Trump signed additional executive orders and proclamations, including: Pardoning 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot; Declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border; Delaying the ban on TikTok; Redefining birthright citizenship; and Declaring a “national energy emergency,” which includes a renewed focus on domestic oil drilling.