President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move he has long criticized, particularly over the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Trump emphasized the disparity in funding, stating the US paid far more than China and accused the WHO of mismanagement.

As the largest donor to the WHO, the US’s withdrawal is expected to significantly impact the organization, potentially disrupting global health initiatives and restructuring the body. This marks the second time Trump has attempted to sever ties with the WHO; his first attempt was reversed under President Joe Biden.

Trump’s new order halts US funding and directs agencies to identify alternative partners to take on the WHO’s global health roles. The US also plans to review Biden’s Global Health Security Strategy, aimed at combating infectious diseases. This decision comes as concerns rise over the ongoing bird flu outbreak (H5N1), further highlighting the gap in global health cooperation.