US Officially Withdraws From World Health Organization

The United States has formally ended its membership in the World Health Organization. The Trump administration announced Thursday that the withdrawal is complete, with all US funding terminated and American personnel recalled from the agency.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing the departure on his first day back in office one year ago. Under federal law, the US was required to provide a year's notice and settle outstanding fees before the split could take effect.

The US still owes roughly $260 million to the WHO. Global health law experts say the organization is unlikely to be able to force payment.

Administration officials said the decision to withdraw came down to concerns that the US wasn't receiving adequate return on its contributions. They also argued the WHO was not acting in the best interests of the American people, though specific examples were not detailed in the announcement.

Despite the exit, US officials say the country will continue engaging with other nations on global health matters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to lead those efforts going forward.