President Donald Trump has dug in his heels, refusing to back down in a dispute with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over 21 Chinese swimmers.
Reporting from Milan, Italy
- Donald Trump refuses to pay the U.S.’s WADA contribution for the third year in a row.
- The background is a dispute over 21 Chinese swimmers who avoided punishment after doping.
- The U.S. Demands an independent audit of WADA before resuming payment.
- WADA says the economy is stable, but the lack of U.S. Contributions affects some programs.
The White House confirmed in a statement to VG.
WADA is an anti-doping organization financed and governed equally by all countries and the IOC. Norway pays millions each year.
However:
The U.S. Did not pay its WADA contribution of 35 million kroner in 2024 or 2025, and Donald Trump has no intention of doing so this year either.
Since the IOC matches contributions from various countries, WADA has missed out on approximately 200 million kroner over three years.
– President Trump strongly believes in supporting American athletes and ensuring fair competition in sports. Authorities or individuals who attempt to manipulate or circumvent the rules must be held accountable, Sara Carter wrote to VG.
She was recently appointed director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) by Donald Trump, and subsequently approved by a Senate vote.
– ONDCP will continue to demand that WADA submit to an independent audit to strengthen the integrity of sport and fair competition. The U.S. Will not be pressured or manipulated into paying dues to WADA until this is in place, Carter said.
She informally holds the title of “drug czar” in the U.S.
