Martina Navratilova baffled by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration's plan to withdraw US from WHO
Martina Navratilova has criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s administration's plan to pull the USA out of the World Health Organization. His administration attempted to do the same during his first term but could not follow through.
Trump’s incoming administration is reportedly preparing to withdraw the USA from the WHO on the very first day of his presidency. According to reports from the Financial Times, members of his transition team have emphasized their intention to announce the withdrawal on January 20, a move experts warn could have a devastating impact on global health.
American tennis icon Navratilova, a frequent critic of Trump and his policies, took to X to react to the news.
"What an ass… it just keeps getting worse…" Martina Navratilova wrote.
The WHO, which relies on the USA as its largest single donor, received 16% of its funding from the country in 2022-2023. Experts have voiced concerns about the planned withdrawal's global health financing and leadership implications. Lawrence Gostin, a Global Health professor at Georgetown Law, called the plan "catastrophic," noting the organization’s critical role in addressing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision appears to be a symbolic reversal of President Joe Biden’s actions in 2021, who repaired ties with the WHO on his first day in office after Trump had begun withdrawal proceedings during his first term. It aligns with Trump’s controversial health policy appointments, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated for a top health role.
Navratilova, a vocal critic of Trump, has been particularly outspoken about his cabinet choices, condemning their stances on public health and science.
Martina Navratilova claims Donald Trump is building an "oligarchy" cabinet for his second term as President
Martina Navratilova has been critical of Donald Trump's choices for his upcoming cabinet. Nominations for his administration have ignited widespread controversy. Among them is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose anti-vaccine stance has drawn sharp criticism. Other appointees include Tulsi Gabbard, Matt Gaetz, and Kash Patel.
Additionally, Trump has reintroduced Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known for his role in implementing the "zero tolerance" immigration policy. Navratilova has described Homan as “evil", before calling the upcoming cabinet an "oligarchy."
"We will have an Oligarchy cabinet if ever I saw one," Martina Navratilova tweeted.
The 78-year-old will begin his second term in the President's office in January 2025. J.D. Vance will take oath as Vice President.