Officials from the Trump administration have dismissed a series of regulations aimed at improving international responses to public health threats.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the director of the Department of Health and Human Services, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has publicly rejected amendments proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the International Health Regulations (IHR) for 2024.
In a video, Kennedy expressed concern that the suggested amendments could lead to the type of information control and censorship noted during the COVID pandemic. He stated that the U.S. can collaborate with other nations without compromising civil liberties or sovereignty.
The IHR is a legally binding agreement among WHO member countries, outlining their responsibilities during global health crises. Member states had been considering updates to the IHR, based on the challenges identified in 2022.
Although the WHO had previously approved changes to the IHR last year, consensus on certain pandemic-related measures emerged only recently.
Kennedy pointed out that member states have the option to reject amendments. The U.S. has opted to partially decline the proposed changes, citing concerns tied to national sovereignty.
“Accepting new regulations would grant unaccountable international bodies the authority to impose lockdowns and travel restrictions,” Kennedy remarked. He emphasized the need for public dialogue on such significant powers.
He highlighted worries about a newly proposed “risk communication” framework, suggesting it could facilitate control over narratives similar to what was observed during the pandemic. Kennedy stated a desire to avoid further institutionalization of such a system.
Concerns were also raised regarding the introduction of a “Global System of Health IDs and Vaccine Passports,” which Kennedy fears could lead to comprehensive medical surveillance.
This latest decision reflects ongoing attempts by the Trump administration to distance the U.S. from WHO. Back in January, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at withdrawing the U.S. from the organization, pausing future funding.
Despite earlier attempts to exit international organizations during his term, a complete withdrawal from WHO never occurred. Such a process would require a year, and former President Biden later reversed the decision.
Public health experts have criticized these actions, warning that they could significantly weaken public health efforts both in the U.S. and globally.
The U.S. has been a key member of the WHO since its founding in 1948 and remains its largest financial contributor.
