U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently met with Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, affirming their plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and develop a new international health framework. Both leaders, known for their unconventional political approaches, share a strong skepticism towards global health policies they perceive as overreaching. Milei, a libertarian economist with a focus on cutting government expenditures, and Kennedy, a Trump-appointed health chief critical of pandemic mandates, have pledged to confront what they deem politicized health policymaking.
During the meeting, Argentina officially confirmed its exit from the WHO, following Milei’s earlier announcement. This decision aligns with former President Trump’s revived commitment to pull the U.S. out of the WHO as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda. The Argentine government has criticized the WHO’s handling of COVID-19, claiming that its responses are driven by political agendas rather than scientific evidence, even disparaging the organization’s lockdown strategies as “caveman quarantine.”
Kennedy has expressed support for such moves, urging other countries to also withdraw from the WHO. He argues that the organization is influenced by foreign governments and corporate interests, advocating for a new health model prioritizing scientific integrity and national sovereignty. After the meeting, he took to social media to describe their discussions as a step toward creating a health system free from what they perceive as totalitarianism and corruption.
The meeting also underscored a shared philosophy between Kennedy and Milei. The Argentine leader, who began his presidency pledging to significantly cut public expenditure, has implemented austerity measures that led to Argentina’s first budget surplus in nearly 15 years. Simultaneously, Kennedy’s MAHA campaign mirrors Milei’s anti-establishment message, focused on reducing federal overreach and promoting transparency in health policy.
This new alliance marks a significant shift in Argentina’s international relationships, potentially influencing other nations considering similar withdrawals from the WHO. By openly supporting Trump’s health sovereignty push, Milei positions Argentina as a trailblazer in redefining global health cooperation. Both leaders view this initiative as an avenue toward a more accountable and independent health network, distancing themselves from traditional partnerships.
However, this bold move has not been without critics. Some opposition voices in Argentina caution that leaving the WHO might restrict access to crucial funding and vaccines. Although there are criticisms of the WHO, many global health experts defend its role in worldwide health initiatives. Regardless, both Milei and Kennedy remain resolute in their commitment to reform, with Argentina’s health minister highlighting a shared vision centered on transparency and accountability.
