President Trump's 1st-day healthcare moves: 7 things to know

President Donald Trump signed multiple healthcare executive orders and selected additional cabinet members after he was sworn into office Jan. 20. 

Here are seven things to know: 

1. Mr. Trump signed an executive order Jan. 20 removing the U.S. from the World Health Organization 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 state," according to the order. 

The order will also recall and reassign U.S. government personnel or contractors working with WHO; pause the transfer of U.S. government funds, resources and support to WHO in the future; and review, revoke and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.

Mr. Trump shared plans to remove the U.S. from WHO during his first administration, which wouldn't have been finalized until July 2021. However, the Biden administration reengaged with the organization in January 2021 when he took office. 

"We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe," the WHO said in a Jan. 21 news release.

2. Mr. Trump also signed an executive order that reverses dozens of policies from the Biden administration, ranging from a 2021 racial equity and support for underserved communities order to a 2021 equitable pandemic response and recovery order. 

The order also immediately suspended the Safe Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence mandate that Mr. Biden signed on Oct. 30, 2023. The mandate required lead AI companies to share AI system critical information and safety test results with the federal government, Bloomberg Law reported Jan. 20. 

3. That same order also rescinded Mr. Biden's Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans executive order, aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Americans, including a plan to cap certain generic drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries at $2. The decision halts several initiatives under Biden's plan, including models to negotiate pricing for high-cost therapies and accelerate the availability of new treatments. 

4. Mr. Trump also announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico starting Feb. 1, The New York Times reported. 

The move follows his concerns about drug trafficking and immigration from both countries. The tariff decision is a part of a broader trade review Mr. Trump ordered through an executive action, directing federal agencies to assess unfair trade practices and potential need for a global supplemental tariff. The executive order on trade will spark investigations into various trade issues, including U.S. relations with China, Canada and Mexico. The order mandates that federal agencies provide reports by April 1, evaluating areas like currency manipulation and trade deficits. 

In Mr. Trump's remarks, he hinted at the possibility of additional tariffs on other foreign imports, calling them a tool to protect American workers and boost U.S. manufacturing, according to the Times. 

5. Officials from Mr. Trump's team have selected Dorothy Fink, MD, an endocrinologist, as interim HHS secretary, The Washington Post reported Jan. 19, citing three anonymous sources.

Dr. Fink currently serves as director of HHS' Office on Women's Health and deputy assistant secretary for women's health, according to its website. She is expected to lead the agency while Mr. Trump's pick for HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., undergoes Senate confirmation.

6. Additionally, Mr. Trump has also nominated retired Palm Beach County, Fla., fire captain Houston Park as the agency's assistant secretary for preparedness and response, according to four anonymous sources, The Post reported. Mr. Park has prior experience working with Florida's health department on its opioid response. 

7. John Knox, a former Los Angeles firefighter dismissed for noncompliance with the city's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, has been selected as Mr. Park's deputy, The Post reported.




 

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