Trump might be having a change of heart. Here’s why.
President Donald Trump recently raised the possibility of rejoining the World Health Organization (WHO) — but only if significant reforms are made and the U.S. contributions are drastically reduced. Speaking to a crowd in Las Vegas, Trump explained that while the U.S. had been contributing about $500 million to the WHO, China was only paying $39 million. He highlighted the imbalance in these contributions, especially given that China has a population of over 1.4 billion, compared to the U.S. population of 339 million.
Trump’s comments come after his administration’s decision to pull out of the WHO during his first term, largely due to the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and what he considered excessive financial demands on the U.S. At his Las Vegas rally, Trump discussed the situation in straightforward terms, pointing out that the U.S. was unfairly shouldering a far larger burden than China, despite the latter’s much larger population.
While NPR reports that the U.S. actually contributed about $706 million to the WHO in recent years (far higher than Trump’s $500 million figure), the former president’s stance on the matter remains clear: America should not be funding the WHO at such high levels when other countries, particularly China, are paying far less. Trump also hinted at the possibility of rejoining the organization under the right conditions, referencing the lower $39 million amount that China pays. However, he emphasized that any return would require significant reforms, including cleaning up the organization’s practices.
In his remarks, Trump indicated that while he had turned down the WHO’s offer to rejoin at a reduced financial contribution, he might reconsider the decision — but only if the organization makes major changes to its operations. This echoes his broader approach to foreign policy: America should not be taken advantage of, and any international partnership must be in the best interest of the American people.
The WHO, in response, expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal and suggested that the U.S. reconsider its decision, touting the organization’s role in global health security. But as Trump’s allies point out, the former president’s tough negotiating tactics — including leveraging financial contributions — are often part of a strategy aimed at securing better terms for the United States.
Ultimately, whether or not the U.S. returns to the WHO will depend on whether the organization can meet Trump’s demand for reform and offer a deal that truly serves America’s interests.