Upon beginning his second term, President Donald Trump issued several executive actions affecting U.S. global health policy.

These directives, many of which reflect his administration's prior positions, target foreign aid, multilateral health engagements, and ideological frameworks in U.S. global health assistance.

We’ve culled together some of President Trump’s key executive actions related to global health:

Article Overview

• Rescinding Biden-era Executive Orders on Global Health Security

• Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)

• Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid

• Redefining Sex and Gender in Federal Policy

• Reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy

• Rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration

• Restricting Funding for NGOs Misaligned with U.S. Interests

• Halting Aid to South Africa

Rescinding Biden-era Executive Orders on Global Health Security

Issued on January 20, 2025, this order revoked various executive actions from the Biden administration, including measures that structured the U.S. government's global health security response to COVID-19. However, most of the provisions issued by former President Biden are no longer relevant. (source: The White House)

The most significant change is the elimination of the National Security Council Directorate on Global Health Security and Biodefense, raising concerns about the future of interagency coordination on health security issues.

Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

President Trump formally reinitiated the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 20, 2025, citing concerns about the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, financial burdens on the U.S., and political influences within WHO governance.

The statement from the executive order reads, “The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states.” (source: The White House)

The withdrawal, set to be completed by January 22, 2026, halts U.S. funding and participation, removing American representation from key WHO decision-making forums.

Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid

A 90-day pause on all U.S. foreign development assistance was announced on January 20, 2025, with a directive to review alignment with American values.

A subsequent January 24 notice from USAID halted all existing foreign assistance programs. Certain humanitarian programs, such as PEPFAR and other urgent health initiatives, received limited waivers, but many global health efforts remain suspended.

Legal challenges have been filed against the aid freeze, with ongoing litigation affecting its implementation.

Redefining Sex and Gender in Federal Policy

A directive on January 20, 2025, established a binary definition of sex, eliminating federal recognition of gender identity.

This affects federal grant funding and guidance for global health programs, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ health services. It rescinds multiple Biden-era executive orders that protected gender identity rights in federal policy.

Reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy

On January 24, 2025, President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, which restricts U.S. global health assistance to foreign NGOs that provide or promote abortion services. The policy is expected to be expanded to other U.S. global health assistance programs, though the full scope remains under review.

Rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration

The U.S. officially rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration on January 24, 2025, reaffirming opposition to international abortion rights and emphasizing family values in global health policy.

Restricting Funding for NGOs Misaligned with U.S. Interests

A February 6, 2025, memorandum directed federal agencies to review and potentially cease funding to NGOs deemed inconsistent with administration policies. Given that a substantial portion of U.S. global health assistance flows through NGOs, this policy could significantly impact international health initiatives.

Halting Aid to South Africa

On February 7, 2025, the administration ceased foreign aid to South Africa, citing concerns about its human rights record and policies. The directive also prioritized the resettlement of South African Afrikaners facing racial discrimination.

To Wrap Up

President Trump's executive actions on global health reflect a broader realignment of U.S. international engagement, prioritizing national sovereignty, financial reassessment, and ideological shifts.

While some policies, such as the Mexico City Policy, align with past Republican administrations, others, such as USAID restructuring and broad foreign aid freezes, mark significant departures from previous U.S. global health commitments.

The full impact of these measures will unfold as legal challenges, diplomatic reactions, and program adjustments take shape in the coming months.

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