::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) after nearly 80 years of membership, completing a process initiated by President Trump on his first day of his second term. The administration cited what it called the WHO’s “failures” during the COVID‑19 pandemic , lack of transparency, and refusal to implement reforms as key reasons for the exit. The withdrawal became official on January 22, 2026 , following the required one‑year notice period. The move ends all U.S. funding to the WHO and leaves behind hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid dues , according to reporting on the organization’s financial records. Officials acknowledge the departure may complicate access to global health data and weaken coordinated responses to international outbreaks. Public health experts warn the decision could undermine both global and domestic health preparedness , given the U.S. had been the WHO’s largest financial contributor.