Argentina Follows Trump’s Lead: Withdraws from WHO and Considers Leaving Paris Climate Accord

Argentina aligns with Trump’s international policies, citing sovereignty concerns over global organizations / AP

Argentina has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant geopolitical shift under President Javier Milei, who is often referred to as "Argentina’s Trump." This move aligns Argentina more closely with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously initiated similar policies during his administration. Global news outlets, including CNN, have reported that Milei’s administration cited concerns over sovereignty and dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of global health crises as key reasons for the decision.

Argentina’s Justification for WHO Withdrawal

On February 5, Argentina’s presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated that President Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to formally initiate Argentina’s exit from the WHO. Adorni emphasized that Argentina’s decision stems from a desire to prevent international organizations from interfering in national health policies. He asserted, "The Argentine people will not allow international organizations to compromise our sovereignty, let alone dictate health policies that should be under national control."

A major factor in Argentina’s decision is its dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Adorni, Argentina's government criticized the WHO for its lack of independence and its susceptibility to political influence, particularly during the pandemic when the organization was perceived to have supported prolonged lockdowns that severely impacted the global economy. Adorni stated, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO endorsed the longest lockdowns in modern history, failing to uphold its independent role in global health management."

Financial and Health Policy Implications of the Withdrawal

Despite leaving the WHO, the Argentine government insists that this decision will not negatively impact the nation’s healthcare system. Adorni clarified that Argentina does not rely on the WHO for direct financial assistance, meaning the withdrawal will not result in a loss of funding. He further argued that exiting the WHO will provide Argentina with greater flexibility to allocate resources independently, stating, "This move strengthens our ability to make sovereign decisions regarding health policy without external interference."

Argentina’s government has also criticized the WHO for its role in global health governance, arguing that the organization has overstepped its boundaries. In an official statement, the Argentine administration condemned the WHO for enforcing prolonged lockdowns that inflicted significant economic damage. The statement read, "The WHO promoted never-ending lockdowns that devastated national economies, raising serious concerns about the purpose and accountability of such supranational organizations."

Alignment with Trump and Potential Paris Climate Accord Exit

International analysts have noted that Milei’s decision closely mirrors Trump’s past actions. During his presidency, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO and other international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. Argentina is now considering following suit, with officials confirming that the government is actively reviewing its continued participation in the Paris Climate Agreement. When asked about Argentina’s stance on the climate accord, Adorni responded, "A final decision has not been made, but the government is thoroughly evaluating the impact of remaining in or leaving the agreement."

Milei has cultivated a strong relationship with Trump, reinforcing Argentina’s shift toward a nationalist and sovereignty-first foreign policy approach. He was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in Florida following the U.S. presidential election and attended Trump’s inauguration. Trump has previously praised Milei, calling him "my favorite president," while Milei has publicly celebrated Trump’s political resurgence, describing his return to power as "the greatest political comeback in history."

Argentina’s Growing Distance from Global Organizations

Argentina’s decision to exit the WHO and consider leaving the Paris Climate Accord underscores its broader strategy of distancing itself from international regulatory bodies. The Milei administration argues that these organizations often impose policies that do not align with national interests, prioritizing global agendas over the sovereignty of member nations. The government’s statement further emphasized this point: "International organizations are funded by taxpayer money from their member states, yet they frequently overstep their mandates, imposing political agendas instead of fulfilling their original purposes."

This move positions Argentina as a key player in the growing wave of nationalist policies championed by leaders like Trump. With Milei following a similar ideological path, Argentina’s foreign policy is shifting toward prioritizing national sovereignty over multilateral cooperation, a trend that could reshape its international alliances in the coming years.

As the global community reacts to Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO, questions remain about the long-term implications of this decision on Argentina’s healthcare, international relations, and economic strategy. Will Argentina’s rejection of international oversight bolster its autonomy, or will it lead to unintended consequences in public health and diplomatic relations? The world will be closely watching the next moves of Milei’s administration as it continues to redefine Argentina’s role on the global stage.