Former President Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly planning for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of his second term, according to a health law expert familiar with the discussions.
The move, first reported by the Financial Times and now confirmed by a source speaking to Reuters, would mark a significant shift in U.S. global health policy, aligning with Trump’s long-standing criticism of the United Nations health agency.
Trump has repeatedly accused the WHO of failing to hold China accountable for the early spread of COVID-19, labeling the agency as a “puppet” of Beijing.
“They’re literally a pipe organ for China,” Trump said during his previous term.
Trump initially announced a U.S. withdrawal from the WHO in 2020, citing its handling of the pandemic. However, that decision was reversed by President Joe Biden, who rejoined the organization shortly after taking office.
If Trump follows through with the withdrawal, it would signal a dramatic shift in U.S. health policy, with less focus on international pandemic response efforts in favor of domestic health initiatives.
Trump’s appointments to public health roles have also drawn scrutiny from some and praise by others, including his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
READ: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Exposes $1 Trillion In Government Waste In Annual “Festivus” Report
The potential withdrawal aligns with Trump’s broader stance of reducing U.S. participation in global organizations and redirecting resources to domestic issues, aligning with the ‘America First’ agenda.
A WHO spokesperson declined to comment directly on the reports of a U.S. withdrawal but referred to remarks by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a December 10 press briefing.
“The U.S. cannot be safe unless the rest of the world is safe,” Ghebreyesus said.
The U.S. is a significant financial contributor to the WHO, and its withdrawal would likely disrupt international health initiatives, including pandemic preparedness, vaccine distribution, and efforts to combat infectious diseases. However, would direct those funds to domestic response and initiatives.
READ: Biden Slams Defense Bill Provision Restricting Child Sex Change Surgeries For Military Families
Global health experts have expressed concern that such a move could weaken international cooperation and leave the U.S. more vulnerable to future health threats.
While Trump’s transition team has not commented on the plan, the potential withdrawal is expected to become a key point of debate as he prepares to take office. The decision to leave the WHO could redefine U.S. global health policy and its role in international organizations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.