Washington DC [US], January 23, 2026, BNN Web Staff: The United States has formally terminated its membership in the World Health Organisation (WHO), launching a sharp attack on the global health body and accusing it of bureaucratic inefficiency, political bias, and mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a joint statement issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Kennedy, the US government said its future interaction with the WHO will be limited strictly to completing the withdrawal process and ensuring the protection of American public health interests.
The statement confirmed that all US funding and staffing for WHO initiatives has been halted, with Washington asserting it will instead pursue “direct, bilateral, and results-driven partnerships” to advance global health security.
The US leaders described the WHO as a “bloated and inefficient bureaucracy,” arguing that the organisation failed to meet expectations during the pandemic and caused harm to Americans.
The statement also said the US withdrawal fulfills President Donald Trump’s pledge, claiming the decision was initiated through an executive order signed on his first day in office.
It said the move responds to what it called the WHO’s failures during the pandemic and aims to correct the impact of those shortcomings on the American people.
Accusing the WHO of abandoning its core mandate, the US claimed the organisation adopted a politicised agenda influenced by countries “hostile to American interests,” and alleged the WHO obstructed the timely sharing of critical health information.
The joint statement further alleged that even as the US exits the organisation, tensions have continued, citing a dispute over an American flag displayed outside the WHO. It claimed the WHO has refused to hand over the flag, arguing the withdrawal has not been approved and suggesting the US still owes compensation.
Concluding its remarks, the US said the organisation has become “beyond repair,” citing what it described as bureaucratic inertia, conflicts of interest, and international politics. The statement said the withdrawal was being carried out in the name of Americans impacted by the pandemic and restrictions.
The development comes after President Trump earlier this month signed a memorandum directing the US to pull out of international organisations, conventions and treaties deemed “contrary to the interests” of the country. The White House said the memo included withdrawal from several UN-linked bodies and non-UN organisations.
