Argentina has announced its departure from the World Health Organization (WHO), mirroring a similar decision by the US. Government spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated that President Javier Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to initiate the withdrawal. The administration cited strong disagreements with the WHO’s pandemic policies.

This move is part of a broader trend of distrust toward international institutions. The US set this precedent, with former President Donald Trump taking decisive action against various UN agencies.

Trump has intensified his stance against the United Nations (UN). He ended relations with the UN Human Rights Council and halted funding for the Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). He also hinted at a possible withdrawal from UNESCO.

His directive orders a full review of US membership in international organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has six months to assess whether these institutions align with American interests. The World Trade Organization (WTO) could also come under scrutiny.

As the US pulls away from the UN, China is stepping up. Beijing has pledged to promote multilateralism and expand its international role. Analysts like Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group predict that China will capitalize on this shift.

The US has traditionally been a major financial supporter of several UN bodies. In 2022, it provided nearly a third of UNRWA’s funding. Now, Trump has completely cut those contributions. He has also stopped financial support for the UN Human Rights Council, accusing it of bias against Israel and support for authoritarian regimes.

A potential US withdrawal from UNESCO could further weaken its influence. With Argentina now following the US example, the future of global institutions remains uncertain.