Overview

• Donald Trump's transition team is reportedly preparing to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of his second term.
• Health law expert Lawrence Gostin and other sources indicate the plan aligns with Trump's longstanding criticism of the WHO, which he has accused of favoring China.
• The U.S. currently provides 16% of the WHO's funding, and experts warn that a withdrawal could weaken global disease surveillance and pandemic response efforts.
• Trump has nominated vaccine skeptics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for key health leadership roles, signaling a shift in U.S. health policy.
• Critics argue that the move could cede greater influence in global health to China and isolate the U.S. from international health initiatives.