US Withdraws From WHO Pandemic Response Reforms Over Sovereignty Concerns

President Donald Trump's administration has formally rejected amendments to the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the risk of international interference in U.S. health policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the reforms for potentially enabling narrative management and censorship similar to what occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing Americans' rights and liberties. The amendments, agreed upon at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, included measures for equitable access to medical products for developing countries and clearer definitions of pandemic emergencies, but the U.S. officials argued that the language was vague and could politicize responses. This move follows President Trump's decision upon taking office in 2025 to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO, reflecting broader skepticism among conservatives toward multilateral institutions and international agreements perceived to infringe on U.S. sovereignty. The U.S. exit highlights ongoing tensions between global health governance efforts and national policy autonomy amid lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite criticism from global health advocates, the Trump administration remains focused on protecting American speech, privacy, and personal liberties in pandemic responses.