"Unfairly onerous payments" are cited in the executive order as a reason for WHO withdrawal. Countries’ dues are a percentage of their gross domestic product, meaning that as the world’s richest nation, the United States has generally paid more than other countries.

Healthcare groups representing physicians, nurses and infection control professionals are criticizing President Donald Trump's plans to remove the U.S. as a member of the World Health Organization, saying the move will threaten the nation's ability to respond to future public health emergencies.