As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, sweeping changes are reverberating through the landscape of U.S. health care and federal health agencies. These adjustments—some expected and others controversial—could reshape how healthcare is administered in the United States for years to come. Here are the most significant developments from the past week.

 

U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

In a dramatic move, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), claiming the agency mishandled the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises. This decision echoes a previous attempt to exit the WHO, which the Biden administration halted in 2021.

The implications of this withdrawal are profound. The WHO plays a critical role as a first alert system for disease outbreaks, facilitating timely communication and resources for member countries. Additionally, the U.S. will lose access to vital data, including the annual flu vaccine composition set by the organization. The withdrawal significantly impacts WHO operations, as the United States has historically been its largest donor, providing essential technical expertise and funding.

Interestingly, during a recent rally in Las Vegas, Trump hinted at a possible reconsideration of this decision, stating, “Maybe we would consider doing it again, I don’t know. Maybe we would. They would have to clean it up.”

 

Resumption of Anti-Abortion Policies

On another front, Trump reinstated the “Mexico City Policy” through an executive order, which prohibits federal funding for foreign non-governmental organizations that perform or promote abortions. Originally enacted by President Ronald Reagan, this policy has been a cornerstone of Republican administrations and is typically rescinded by Democratic ones.

Additionally, Trump revoked two executive orders from the Biden administration aimed at expanding abortion access within the United States, marking a significant step back for reproductive rights at the federal level.

 

Suspension of Federal Health Agency Communications

In a striking move, the Trump administration directed federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to pause all external communications until at least February 1. Reports indicate that longstanding resources, such as the CDC’s weekly public health publication, have also been suspended. This communication hiatus raises questions about transparency and public health information dissemination during critical periods.

 

Reversal of Drug Pricing Initiatives

The Trump administration has repealed an executive order from the Biden era that aimed to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Although the proposals had not yet been implemented, they included notable provisions like a $2 monthly cap on certain generic drugs and efforts to reduce costs for advanced therapies. However, other Biden initiatives, particularly those under the Inflation Reduction Act, remain unaffected.

 

Changes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies

On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate federal initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This sweeping directive also includes provisions that restrict federal recognition of gender identity, effectively classifying individuals strictly as male or female in government documents. Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, condemned this move as discriminatory, arguing it undermines the rights and identities of transgender and nonbinary individuals.

 

Cybersecurity Breach in Health Care

In a parallel development, UnitedHealth Group is grappling with the fallout from a massive cybersecurity breach at its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, which affected nearly 190 million individuals—nearly double the initial estimate. This incident is now recognized as the largest reported health care data breach in U.S. history, eclipsing previous records. In response to the breach, UnitedHealth disconnected compromised systems and paid a significant ransom to cybercriminals, raising concerns about data security and the integrity of patient information.

 

Outlook for the Health Care Sector

Despite the challenges posed by these sweeping policy changes and the cybersecurity crisis, analysts predict a resurgence for the health care sector in 2025. The initial declines experienced by health insurers and hospitals due to concerns about Medicaid funding cuts may give way to recovery, with recent performance indicators showing health care stocks rebounding.

As the Trump administration enacts these significant changes, the future of health care in the United States hangs in the balance. With potential implications for global health collaboration, domestic reproductive rights, federal health agency operations, and equity initiatives, the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will undoubtedly shape the health care landscape for the foreseeable future. Observers will be closely watching how these policies play out and their broader impact on American society.