In the decree, Trump reminds that he had already initiated the US exit during his first term, but the decision was reversed by his successor, Joe Biden.
"The US intends to withdraw from the WHO. The presidential letter to the UN Secretary-General, signed on January 20, 2021, which cancels the US notification of withdrawal from July 6, 2020, is hereby revoked," the document states.
The new head of the White House stated that the WHO demands "burdensome payments from the American side, significantly exceeding the contributions of other countries."
Trump ordered the suspension of any US funding for the WHO, as well as the withdrawal or redistribution of personnel and contractors working for it. The new administration must find "reliable and transparent American and international partners to take on the necessary activities previously conducted by the WHO."
The president's decision means that the US will leave the UN health agency and cease all financial contributions to its operations within 12 months, notes Reuters. Washington is the largest donor to the WHO, providing about 18% of its total funding, the agency reports.