Donald Trump’s team is making bold plans for his return to the White House, including a move that could send shockwaves through global health. According to a report by the Financial Times, Trump’s transition team wants the US to leave the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 20, the very day he takes office.
Why such a dramatic move? It’s all about symbolism. In 2021, President Joe Biden rejoined the WHO on his first day in office, reversing Trump’s earlier withdrawal attempt. Now, Trump’s team reportedly sees pulling out on inauguration day as a powerful way to undo Biden’s legacy.
A Divided Team
Not everyone in Trump’s camp agrees with the plan. Some advisors suggest staying in the WHO and pushing for reforms. Others argue the US should cut ties completely, claiming the WHO is too influenced by China. Right now, it seems the withdrawal advocates are winning the argument.
Health experts warn this decision could have serious consequences. Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health at Georgetown Law, called the move “catastrophic,” saying it would leave a massive gap in global health funding and leadership. The US is the second-largest financial supporter of the WHO, providing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. If that funding disappears, many life-saving programs could be at risk.
Trump’s Long History with the WHO
This isn’t the first time Trump has clashed with the WHO. Back in 2020, he accused the organization of siding with China and failing to warn the world about the dangers of COVID-19. He started the withdrawal process but couldn’t complete it before leaving office.
Under US law, leaving the WHO requires a year’s notice and payment of any outstanding dues. Whether Trump would follow those rules remains unclear, as his team has declined to comment on the specifics.
Kennedy and Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire is Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy is a known vaccine skeptic and a vocal critic of the WHO’s pandemic policies, including lockdowns and the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. His nomination has sparked heated debate and still needs Senate approval.
What’s at Stake?
The WHO is a United Nations agency that coordinates international health efforts, from fighting pandemics to improving access to vaccines. If the US withdraws, experts fear it could weaken global responses to health crises and leave poorer nations without crucial support.
For Trump, this move might be a political statement, but for the rest of the world, it could be a turning point in the fight against global health challenges. Whether this bold strategy will win support—or spark outrage—remains to be seen.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
