Argentina will exit the World Health Organization (WHO), President Javier Milei’s office announced Wednesday, aligning with the United States, which pulled out last month under President Donald Trump’s directive.

Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, cited “deep differences regarding health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” as the key reason for leaving. He emphasized that Argentina would not tolerate "international interference" in its sovereignty. The withdrawal, he added, grants Argentina greater flexibility to design health policies suited to its national context while freeing up financial resources.

Milei, a self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist" and staunch Trump supporter, has frequently voiced skepticism of global institutions. His decision mirrors Trump’s concerns over WHO’s handling of the pandemic and its funding priorities. With the U.S. being the agency’s largest donor, its withdrawal has already raised concerns about a funding gap for global health initiatives.

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has pursued aggressive austerity measures, slashing public spending to eliminate Argentina’s chronic budget deficits. His reforms have pushed millions deeper into poverty, yet they also contributed to the country’s record trade surplus in 2024, driven by a sharp decline in imports and domestic consumption.

Milei’s alignment with Trump has been evident. He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago following the Republican’s November election victory. The two leaders share a vision of economic nationalism and skepticism toward multilateral organizations.

Argentina’s departure from WHO marks another major shift in Milei’s radical restructuring of the country’s governance. While supporters hail his bold economic and political stances, critics warn of the risks of severing ties with international bodies. With global health challenges still pressing, Argentina’s move could have far-reaching consequences.

Argentina will exit the World Health Organization (WHO), President Javier Milei’s office announced Wednesday, aligning with the United States, which pulled out last month under President Donald Trump’s directive.

Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, cited “deep differences regarding health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” as the key reason for leaving. He emphasized that Argentina would not tolerate "international interference" in its sovereignty. The withdrawal, he added, grants Argentina greater flexibility to design health policies suited to its national context while freeing up financial resources.

Milei, a self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist" and staunch Trump supporter, has frequently voiced skepticism of global institutions. His decision mirrors Trump’s concerns over WHO’s handling of the pandemic and its funding priorities. With the U.S. being the agency’s largest donor, its withdrawal has already raised concerns about a funding gap for global health initiatives.

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has pursued aggressive austerity measures, slashing public spending to eliminate Argentina’s chronic budget deficits. His reforms have pushed millions deeper into poverty, yet they also contributed to the country’s record trade surplus in 2024, driven by a sharp decline in imports and domestic consumption.

Milei’s alignment with Trump has been evident. He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago following the Republican’s November election victory. The two leaders share a vision of economic nationalism and skepticism toward multilateral organizations.

Argentina’s departure from WHO marks another major shift in Milei’s radical restructuring of the country’s governance. While supporters hail his bold economic and political stances, critics warn of the risks of severing ties with international bodies. With global health challenges still pressing, Argentina’s move could have far-reaching consequences.