Argentina's Javier Milei Signals Intent to Exit WHO, Emulating Trump's Move

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:48:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Javier Milei's administration plans to withdraw Argentina from the World Health Organization, citing discrepancies over health management during the pandemic.

President Milei's announcement reflects a broader trend among leaders sharing Trump's worldview, prompting concerns about the integrity of the WHO.

The Argentine government under President Javier Milei has declared its intention to exit the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision that echoes former US President Donald Trump's earlier withdrawal announcement. A spokesperson for Milei cited "deep differences regarding health management, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic," as primary reasons for this decision.

This announcement comes shortly after Trump signed an executive order initiating the US withdrawal, and the two leaders have fostered a mutual admiration. Milei lauded Trump's potential re-election as "the greatest political comeback in history," while Trump has referred to Milei as "my favorite president."

Both leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the WHO's pandemic response, particularly the prolonged lockdowns imposed in Argentina and concerns about Chinese influence over the organization. However, unlike the US, which contributes around $950 million annually—approximately 15% of the WHO’s total budget—Argentina’s financial input is minimal, at about $8 million per year, suggesting its exit may not critically impact the body's finances.

The significant issue, however, lies in whether other leaders who align with Milei and Trump’s perspectives will take similar measures, which could potentially undermine the WHO's credibility as the leading global health authority.

Argentine media anticipate that President Milei will sign an executive order imminently to initiate the formal withdrawal process. At a news conference, spokesperson Manuel Adorni articulated a commitment to national sovereignty, stating, "We Argentines are not going to allow an international body to interfere with our sovereignty, and even less with our health."

This departure from the WHO is seen as a move that would grant Argentina greater autonomy over health policies and funding. Recognized for his libertarian beliefs, Milei is reportedly contemplating further withdrawals from other international agreements, with environmental activists expressing concerns about potential exits from treaties like the Paris climate agreement aimed at combating climate change.

The global implications of Milei's decisions might influence the international political landscape, raising questions about collaboration on major health and environmental issues in the future.