President Donald Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day in office, a decision that has sparked reactions from public health experts.

Trump mentioned the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement reforms, and alleged political influence as reasons for the move.

“That’s a big one,” Trump remarked to an aide while signing the executive order, referencing his 2020 attempt to exit the organization, which was halted by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, called the decision a “strategic error,” warning it could bolster China’s influence in global health.

Georgetown’s Lawrence Gostin labeled it “a cataclysmic presidential decision,” claiming it undermines both world health and US leadership.

In a related development, Trump equally signed an executive order to reinitiate the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

He criticized the pact, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C, for not aligning with US values and burdening taxpayers.

“The United States’ success in balancing economic and environmental objectives should serve as a model for others,” Trump remarked.

Both withdrawals are subject to procedural timelines, with critics questioning their legality and potential impact.

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