U.S. Withdraws from WHO and Rescinds Key Health Policies
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On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing the organization’s “mishandling” of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises, the order also criticized WHO’s funding structure, highlighting that China, with a significantly larger population, contributes far less financially than the U.S.
The order redirects U.S. global health efforts, suspends all WHO funding and resources, and mandates the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy to review and revise the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy. Additionally, new public health and biosecurity directorates will be created within the National Security Council.
Other health-related executive orders rescind several Biden-era policies, including experimental drug pricing models aimed at reducing Medicare and Medicaid costs, extended Affordable Care Act enrollment periods, and certain COVID-19 pandemic policies. Protections against discrimination based on sexual or gender identity and policies ensuring non-discrimination in schools were also rescinded.
Trump withdraws from World Health Organization, makes several other health-related moves (Medical Economics, Shyrock, 1/21).
