Trump plans WHO exit on day one of second term, source says

Trump's team plans a swift U.S. withdrawal from WHO, sparking fears of weakened global health efforts and increased Chinese influence.

Donald Trump's presidential transition team is reportedly preparing for the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of a potential second term, according to Georgetown University global health professor Lawrence Gostin.

"I have it on good authority that he plans to withdraw, likely on Day One or soon after," said Gostin, who also directs the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. The Financial Times first reported the plans, citing two experts, including former White House COVID-19 response coordinator Ashish Jha, who was unavailable for comment.

Trump's transition team and the WHO declined immediate comment, though WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus previously expressed confidence in ongoing efforts for a global pandemic agreement by 2025.

The proposed withdrawal aligns with Trump’s criticism of the WHO, which he has accused of favoring China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump previously initiated a year-long withdrawal in 2020, reversed by President Joe Biden. Critics warn a U.S. exit would weaken global health efforts and bolster China’s influence in the WHO.

Trump has nominated WHO critics to key public health roles, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a candidate for Health and Human Services Secretary. Critics argue that leaving the WHO would undermine global disease response systems, reducing U.S. clout in health diplomacy.

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