President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.

Trump criticised the WHO for failing to operate independently of what he called “inappropriate political influence” from its member states. He also took issue with the financial burden on the US, the organization’s largest contributor, providing about 18% of its total funding.

“The World Health Organization has taken advantage of us, just like everyone else,” Trump said during the signing. “That stops now.”

The WHO responded by expressing “regret” over Trump’s decision and reminding the administration that America was a founding member of the organisation in 1948 and has helped shaped WHO’s work ever since.

“For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats,” the organisation said in a statement. “Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.”

The organisation stressed the role it plays in protecting health and security for everyone, including Americans, “by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.”

The withdrawal will take effect in 12 months, with the US ceasing all financial contributions to the agency’s $6.8 billion 2024–2025 budget. Trump argued that the organisation demanded “unfairly excessive payments” from the U.S., especially compared to contributions from other major nations, such as China.

This is a developing story.