04:50
Trump signs order to gut Voice of America, other agencies
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order cutting funding to Voice of America’s parent agency, forcing staff out.
Trump plans WHO exit on day one of second term, source says
Reuters
Reuters
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.
11:01
Washington expels South African Ambassador
The United States of America on Friday gave marching orders to the South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool declaring him ‘persona non grata’ - the latin phrase for “unwelcome person”.
22:30
USA News
Trump speaks at the U.S. Justice Department
President Donald Trump addressed the U.S. Justice Department on Friday, discussing ongoing legal challenges and investigations into his actions. His remarks come amid scrutiny over his handling of classified documents and other legal matters.
21:20
Gaza-Israel
US proposes 'bridge' to extend Gaza ceasefire, White House says
The United States has proposed a "bridge" plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza through April, aiming to facilitate negotiations for a permanent halt to hostilities and ensure the release of U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander.
14:30
Russia news
As Trump thaws ties, Russia has a new public enemy number one: Britain
Russia has escalated tensions with Britain, accusing it of being a "warmonger" and the primary obstacle to peace efforts in Ukraine. The accusations come as the UK continues to support Ukraine with military aid, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.
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