Trump Team Pushes for Bold WHO Reforms: Demand for American Leadership Sparks Global Change
The Trump administration is contemplating significant reforms to the World Health Organization (WHO) with the intention of having the U.S. maintain its membership, according to sources and a document reviewed by Reuters. The document, shared with Trump’s advisors before his inauguration on January 20, proposes the U.S. announce a withdrawal from the WHO, adopting a “radical new approach,” including advocating for an American to assume the role of director-general after Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in 2027.
This decision follows Trump’s executive order to exit the WHO, one of his initial policy actions, which threatens to remove the organization’s largest contributor by 2026. The order criticizes the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleges undue influence from other countries, claims the WHO denies. Trump indicated a potential return contingent on “cleaning up” the agency but has not provided specifics.
Discussions about reforming the WHO have been ongoing since before Trump assumed office; however, it remains unclear which, if any, recommendations will be adopted. White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the administration is reviewing healthcare processes for necessary reforms without commenting specifically on the WHO.
The reform proposal, crafted by an external expert, critiques the WHO as “chaotic” and ineffective, claiming that without significant changes, the U.S. interests would suffer whether it stays or leaves. However, WHO officials argue that major transformations are underway, emphasizing increased independence and transparency.
The document suggests appointing a U.S. special envoy in 2025 to facilitate reform negotiations, leading up to a potential exit scheduled for the following year. This envoy would push for U.S. leadership within the WHO, citing past inefficiencies. Meanwhile, 43 U.S. lawmakers and public health advocates have urged the administration to reconsider the plan, emphasizing the health implications for Americans and the global community.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/news-today/trump-team-considers-demanding-who-reforms-including-american-in-charge-9820471/
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Publish Date: 2025-02-06 11:54:00
