The Trump Effect on Global Health and Development in 2025

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Photo by: Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA.

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, approaches, his presidency is poised to bring significant disruption to global health and development. The potential for U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), cuts to key global health programs like USAID and the Global Fund, and the reimposition of the “global gag rule” are all significant concerns. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination adds further worries, given his controversial anti-vaccine views.

Alongside these concerns, in an article published this week in DevEx, I also highlight six potential opportunities for reform, consistent with conservative principles, which I hope to see the new Administration pursue:

1. Enhancing U.S. National Security: Strengthening pandemic preparedness requires global cooperation, and can be achieved without undermining national sovereignty. (This is the quintessential reason for the U.S. to stay in WHO.)

2. Focusing on Results: Driving accountability and measurable outcomes in global health investments, particularly within WHO and U.N. systems, to ensure value for money.

3. Scaling Innovation: Building on successes like Operation Warp Speed to expand access to treatments for chronic diseases and other health innovations, reaching millions globally.

4. Mobilizing Innovative Finance: Expanding development finance initiatives like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, bringing more accountability and capital to health investments.

5. Fostering Self-Reliance: Promoting self-sustainability in health systems in line with Trump’s “America First” policy, by empowering local leadership and reducing dependency on foreign aid.

6. Addressing Geopolitics: Balancing China’s influence in international organizations and combating antisemitism, by ensuring multilateral institutions uphold neutrality.

As we look to the future, the key to navigating Trump’s presidency lies in adopting a strategic approach. In the words of Yogi Berra, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,” but one certainty is change. As I wrote in my article:

One thing is for sure: U.S. global health and development will look vastly different because of Trump’s upcoming presidency. Change is coming. If organizations don’t appreciate that and get ahead of it, they could end up underneath it.

Organizations that “play the man, not the ball” may find opportunities in the shifting landscape. Balancing appropriate caution with a proactive mindset could turn challenges into chances for meaningful reform in global health.

Read more detail, including specific actions that could be taken, in my article in DevEx here [free, but requires registration].