Thu Feb 06 06:49:35 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration Considers Radical WHO Reform Plan, Including US Leadership

**Geneva, Switzerland** – The Trump administration is reportedly considering a sweeping reform plan for the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes installing an American as director-general, as a condition for the US remaining a member. This comes despite a previously issued executive order to withdraw from the WHO by January 2026, citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and undue influence from other nations. The WHO denies these accusations.

According to a proposal document reviewed by Reuters and sources familiar with the plan, the administration considered a complete withdrawal followed by a radical new approach involving securing a US leadership position when Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s term ends in 2027. The proposal, drafted by an outside policy expert, labels the WHO as the “most chaotic, least effective UN agency,” citing failures in implementing reforms over two decades.

While acknowledging that leaving the WHO would harm American interests, the proposal argues that remaining without reforms would be equally detrimental. The plan suggests appointing a US special envoy in 2025 to negotiate reforms before the planned withdrawal. The lack of American leadership at the top of the WHO is cited as a critical factor in the perceived waste of US funds and decline in the organization’s efficiency.

WHO Director of Transformation Søren Brostrøm refutes these criticisms, highlighting significant reforms undertaken under Dr. Tedros, including increased independence from donors, greater country director autonomy, and improved spending transparency. He stated that the WHO is open to further reform requests from member states.

The US, the WHO’s largest financial contributor (approximately 18% of its funding), has already ceased collaboration in certain areas. However, a US delegation is attending the WHO executive board meeting to discuss the upcoming budget and priorities. Despite the administration’s plans, 43 US lawmakers and public health activists are urging a reversal of the withdrawal decision, with potential legal action being considered. Experts, such as Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin, argue that remaining in the WHO and pushing for reforms is in America’s best interest. The administration has not yet commented on the specifics of the reform plan.

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