President Donald Trump Withdraws U.S. from WHO, Declares a ‘Golden Age’
In his inaugural address as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump promised a new “golden age” for America. Shortly after being sworn into office, Trump signed several executive orders, including one to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The move marks the second attempt to exit the United Nations agency after Trump initiated withdrawal in 2020, a decision reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Trump’s executive order revokes Biden’s letter to the U.N. Secretary-General and directs the Secretary of State to formally notify the WHO leadership and all relevant bodies of the U.S.’s withdrawal.
The order also calls for halting U.S. funding to the WHO, recalling government personnel working with the organization, and identifying alternative partners to handle global health initiatives. The WHO issued a statement expressing regret and urged the U.S. to reconsider the decision for the “health and well-being of millions worldwide.”
In another sweeping executive action, Trump declared it U.S. policy to recognize two sexes, male and female, as immutable biological realities. This policy underscores his administration’s focus on “fundamental truths,” signaling potential changes in federal approaches to gender issues.
The newly inaugurated Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, confirmed by a unanimous Senate vote, is expected to lead efforts in reshaping U.S. international engagements, including managing the fallout from the withdrawal.
President Trump’s actions on his first day in office underscore his administration’s focus on asserting American independence on the global stage while advancing policies aligned with his campaign promises.