In a bold move, the Trump administration is pushing for major reforms in the World Health Organization (WHO), demanding greater U.S. influence—including appointing an American as the Director-General. The move comes after the administration’s previous decision to withdraw the U.S. from WHO, citing poor management of the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign political influence over the organization.
The planned U.S. exit, scheduled for January 2026, could create a major funding gap for the WHO, given that the United States has historically provided 18% of the organization’s total budget. However, Trump’s team is signaling that the withdrawal could be reconsidered—but only if the WHO agrees to big changes that put U.S.
Key Demands: A Change in WHO Leadership?
The Trump administration’s main condition for staying in WHO is a leadership switch. Officials argue that having an American as Director-General would make sure the organization’s decisions better reflect U.S. health and policy goals.
“This isn’t about politics; it’s about responsibility,” said a senior Trump campaign official. “The WHO has lost trust, and it’s time for a leadership structure that is clear, efficient, and actually prepared for global health crises.”
Another proposed change includes assigning a U.S. special representative to directly lead discussions and oversee policy decisions at WHO—an unusual move that would shift global health negotiations in Washington’s favor.
Mixed Reactions: Global Concerns Over Trump’s WHO Plans
The proposal has sparked strong reactions from public health experts and world leaders. Critics argue that such a move could politicize an organization that is meant to function as a neutral global health body.
Current WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus defended the organization’s independence, saying:
“The WHO is a global institution dedicated to science and public health—not a tool for any one country. Changes must benefit all nations, not just one.”
Meanwhile, European and Asian leaders have raised concerns over Trump’s strategy, fearing it could weaken global teamwork in handling pandemics and future health threats.
“The WHO needs to remain a fair and independent global health leader,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “Any attempt to take control of it by one country puts international cooperation at risk.”
However, conservative policy groups and some Republican lawmakers are supporting Trump’s plan, saying WHO’s past failures prove it needs big changes.
“This organization failed to hold China accountable during COVID,” said Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). “If we’re paying for WHO, we should have a say in how it’s run.”
What’s Next?
With the U.S. withdrawal deadline getting closer, world leaders must now decide whether to negotiate with Trump’s team or prepare for a WHO without U.S. funding—a move that could affect global disease response, vaccine programs, and emergency health funds.
For now, the debate is far from over, and as discussions continue, the future of global health leadership remains uncertain.
Will WHO accept U.S. demands? Or will the Trump administration move forward with its full withdrawal?
