Republican Governors Oppose Biden’s Negotiations with WHO, Citing Threat to National Sovereignty

The Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations, co-chaired by Dr. Ashley Bloomfield of New Zealand and Dr. Abdullah Assiri of Saudi Arabia, is at the center of a controversial debate over the potential impact of stronger international health governance on national sovereignty.

Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, along with 23 other Republican governors, has expressed strong opposition to the Biden administration’s negotiations with the World Health Organization (WHO) that could grant the organization unprecedented powers over the United States and its citizens. In a letter to President Biden, the governors raised concerns about proposed amendments and treaties that would give the WHO’s Director-General unilateral authority to declare public health emergencies of international concern in member nations.

The governors argue that these agreements could infringe upon state sovereignty by allowing the WHO to dictate responses to health emergencies, potentially including mandates on medical treatments. They warn that such measures could undermine the role of elected representatives in setting public health policies and compel citizens to comply with WHO directives.

The letter, signed by all Republican governors, including Governor Dunleavy, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, among others, calls for a reconsideration of the proposed agreements with the WHO. The governors emphasize the importance of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring that decisions regarding public health remain within the purview of elected officials.

The debate over the balance between international health governance and national sovereignty is likely to continue as negotiations with the WHO progress. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.