The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret on Tuesday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the UN health agency, a move he made just hours after being sworn into office.

The WHO urged Trump to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of global health cooperation.

Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the U.S. to leave the Geneva-based organization, which he has frequently criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking from the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump argued that the U.S. was unfairly overpaying for the WHO’s operations compared to China, stating, “World Health ripped us off.”

As the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the U.S. plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s efforts worldwide.

In response to Trump’s decision, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said, “WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans,” and called for the U.S. to reconsider, adding that the WHO looked forward to continuing its partnership with the United States.

The withdrawal could lead to major restructuring within the WHO and disrupt global health initiatives, further isolating the U.S. in its role as a leader in global health.

This marks the second time Trump has attempted to sever ties with the WHO, having initiated a withdrawal process during his first term, which was reversed by President Joe Biden.

Under the rules of the WHO, it would take a year for the U.S. to officially leave the organization, following formal notification.

Trump’s new order directs U.S. agencies to pause future funding and support for the WHO and begin identifying new partners to take over tasks previously managed by the organization.

The administration also announced plans to review and potentially rescind Biden’s 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.

The decision to withdraw has been met with concern from public health experts.

Tom Frieden, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warned on social media, “We cannot make WHO more effective by walking away from it. The decision to withdraw weakens America’s influence, increases the risk of a deadly pandemic, and makes all of us less safe.”

Other experts expressed concerns that the U.S. would lose valuable access to global epidemic data, potentially jeopardizing efforts to monitor and prevent international health threats.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, remarked that withdrawing from the WHO would harm U.S. national security and diminish the country’s competitive edge in health innovation.

The timing of the withdrawal comes amid concerns about the spread of the H5N1 bird flu, which has infected dozens and led to a fatality in the U.S, highlighting the potential risks of disengaging from global health networks.

Meanwhile, WHO member states are working on a historic treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, which could proceed without U.S. participation following this decision.

The move further complicates international efforts to address future health crises collaboratively.

In a series of sweeping actions on his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump fired four high-ranking officials appointed by his predecessor and signed numerous executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. policies on immigration, climate change, and other key issues.

Trump took to Truth Social to announce the dismissal of four individuals, including Jose Andres from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, General Mark Milley from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, Brian Hook from the Wilson Center, and Keisha Lance Bottoms from the President’s Export Council.

He signaled that over a thousand more appointments from the previous administration were under review for removal.

His post concluded with his signature catchphrase from The Apprentice: “YOU’RE FIRED!”

The mass dismissal plan is part of Trump’s broader agenda to streamline the federal government and improve efficiency, which may also involve shutting down certain government departments.

Many government agencies are preparing for potential upheaval in the coming weeks if Trump follows through on his promises.

In addition to staff changes, Trump signed a series of executive orders that reflected his campaign promises and policy priorities. Among the most notable were orders addressing immigration and climate policy.

Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, aimed at increasing deportations, including those he classified as “criminal aliens,” and announced a mass military-led deportation operation.

He also signed an order to revoke birthright citizenship, a move likely to face legal challenges due to its conflict with the U.S. Constitution.

On the environmental front, Trump retracted the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, a step he had previously taken during his first term.

The move reflects his ongoing skepticism about global climate agreements, even as climate change impacts intensify worldwide.

Trump also declared a national energy emergency, signaling his intention to boost oil drilling in the U.S. and further solidifying his “drill, baby, drill” rhetoric.

Trump’s orders also targeted “woke” culture, reversing Obama-era policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

He repealed executive orders related to diversity in government and business, as well as LGBTQ rights, and declared that the U.S. government would officially recognize only two genders: male and female.

In a significant reversal of previous policies, Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the U.S.’s disproportionate financial contributions.

He also imposed a 75-day delay on the enforcement of a law banning the TikTok app, further escalating tensions with China.

On international matters, Trump reinstated sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank, reversing a decision made by the Biden administration, and removed Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, undoing another of Biden’s recent moves.

Trump’s first day in office marked a flurry of bold moves, reaffirming many of his core political promises while signaling a continuation of his previous confrontational approach to both domestic and international issues.

On his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

The pardon list included prominent figures such as Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who was sentenced to 22 years for leading a violent assault on the Capitol.

Trump also commuted the sentences of Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, reducing his 18-year sentence to time served. Both men were convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the Capitol attack.

Trump described the rioters as “hostages” during a White House signing ceremony and stated that he granted “full pardons” to the more than 1,500 defendants involved in the attack.

“We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” he added. The pardons came after Trump’s repeated campaign promises to release those charged in connection with the insurrection, whom he referred to as “patriots” and “political prisoners.”

The assault on the Capitol had left over 140 police officers injured and resulted in significant property damage.

The rioters aimed to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory, following a speech by Trump where he falsely claimed victory in the 2020 election.

Former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the pardons, calling them an “outrageous insult” to the justice system and to the officers who protected the Capitol.

Trump, who faced charges from special counsel Jack Smith for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, had these charges dropped due to his status as a sitting president.

Alongside the pardons, Trump also commuted the sentences of nine Oath Keepers members, including Rhodes, and five Proud Boys.

The pardons apply to all individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol riot, and the executive orders will lead to the immediate release of those still incarcerated.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden issued his own series of pardons, protecting various individuals from politically motivated prosecutions by the Trump administration.

These included family members and former political figures such as Anthony Fauci and Liz Cheney.

In a separate executive action, Trump also initiated the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time during his presidency.

Trump cited the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its alleged political bias towards China as reasons for the withdrawal.

He also criticized the financial contributions the U.S. made to the WHO, calling them unfair and overly burdensome.

Trump had previously attempted to withdraw from the WHO during the pandemic, a move that was reversed by President Biden.

Trump’s new order makes it likely that the U.S. will formally leave the organization, although he left the door open for a potential return in the future.

Public health experts have criticized the decision, warning that it could undermine global health efforts and harm the U.S.’s leadership in international public health.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his swearing-in as U.S. President, expressing support for the incoming administration’s stance on key international issues.

In a statement to Russian news agencies during a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, Putin acknowledged Trump’s calls for restoring direct communication between Moscow and Washington and his commitment to preventing a third world war.

“We certainly welcome this approach and congratulate the President-elect of the United States on his inauguration,” Putin said.

The Russian president also indicated his readiness to engage in discussions with the new U.S. administration regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

He emphasized that Russia is seeking long-term peace, rather than a temporary ceasefire, to avoid future hostilities.

For nearly three years, Russia has been engaged in a devastating war against Ukraine.

Moscow has consistently accused Ukraine’s government of oppressing its Russian-speaking citizens, while also expressing concerns over Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, which it views as a security threat.

In addition to territorial concessions, Russia demands that Ukraine renounce any ambitions for a powerful military and abandon its NATO aspirations.

Moscow also claims the right to protect the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine and to have a say in the country’s future political landscape.