Pull to refresh
Logo
Daily Brief
Following Why Ranks Sign Up
Lawrence O. Gostin

Lawrence O. Gostin

Director, WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law

Appears in 1 story

Notable Quotes

I feel like this is a real turning point in American history. Over 75 years, we've been its most influential member and biggest funder. I don't think that's good for the world, but I think it's worse for America. — January 2026

President Trump might be able to try to close the southern border against immigrants, but you can't close the border against a pathogen. Germs don't understand borders. — January 2026

Stories

America quits the WHO after 77 years

Rule Changes

Leading academic critic of withdrawal; attempted to broker rapprochement

The United States joined the World Health Organization on June 14, 1948, three years after helping design it. On January 22, 2026, the U.S. became the first country to complete a withdrawal from the agency—walking away from 77 years of leadership in global health. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. jointly announced the withdrawal's completion, citing the WHO's 'failures during the COVID-19 pandemic' and its inability to demonstrate independence from 'inappropriate political influence.' The U.S. departed without paying between $130 million and $278 million in disputed dues, with the administration asserting no obligation to pay prior to exit.

Updated Jan 23