A world less safe and secure

On 20 January, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). President Trump shares many of the same concerns about WHO as previous administrations, including improved transparency, financial oversight, and accountability. He also believes that China has exerted undue influence on WHO—a charge that WHO adamantly denies. But the US cannot influence WHO if it is not at the table. WHO will remain at the center of global health governance, but this withdrawal will limit US leadership to protect public health and challenge WHO coordination in facing global challenges.