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 U.S. joined the WHO on June 14, 1948, three years after helping design the agency, and became the first to withdraw on January 22, 2026, ending 77 years of involvement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited the WHO's 'failures during the COVID-19 pandemic' and its inability to demonstrate independence from 'inappropriate political influence.' The U.S. left without paying between $130 million and $278 million in disputed dues.

Updated May 22