Members of Donald Trump’s presidential transition team are reportedly preparing for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of his second term, according to global health law expert.
Details of the Plan
Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health at Georgetown University and director of the Center for National and Global Health Law, revealed the information to Reuters:
“I have reliable information that Trump plans to withdraw, likely on day one or very early in his term.”
This move aligns with Trump’s past criticisms of the UN health agency and would mark a significant shift in U.S. global health policy.
Impact and Implications
If enacted, the withdrawal would:
- Further isolate the U.S. from international efforts to combat pandemics.
- Disrupt global health collaborations, including ongoing measures against emerging health threats.
- Undermine the U.S.’s role in shaping international health policy.
Trump initiated a year-long withdrawal process from WHO in 2020, citing alleged mismanagement and bias toward China during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the decision was reversed by his successor, President Joe Biden, who rejoined the organization six months later.
WHO Critics in Key Health Roles
Trump has nominated WHO critics for key public health positions, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy would oversee major U.S. health agencies, signaling a dramatic policy shift.
