Written by Jacob Mitchell.

In a bold move, 24 Republican governors have come together to send a strong message to President Biden, expressing their deep concerns about the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed power expansion. The letter, signed by the governors, warns that the current proposals under negotiation would hand the WHO unprecedented authority over the United States, undermining the nation’s sovereignty and the power of its elected officials.

The proposals in question would transform the WHO from a mere advisory entity into a global public health authority. If these changes are adopted, the WHO’s Director-General would gain the power to declare a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) in any member nation. This power could extend beyond pandemics and include a variety of perceived threats. The governors argue that such authority would erode state sovereignty, as the WHO could impose its directives on member nations, bypassing the decisions of elected representatives.

The governors emphasized that this shift in power could lead to a scenario where U.S. citizens are forced to comply with WHO mandates, even on matters as personal as medical treatments. They expressed concern that these proposals could effectively strip states of their autonomy in setting public health policies, a power traditionally held by state governments.

The Pandemic Treaty’s Potential Impact

A key point of contention is the latest draft of the Pandemic Treaty, which, if passed, would significantly alter the landscape of global public health governance. The treaty would grant the WHO immediate access to outbreak sites, allowing it to deploy rapid response teams without the need for permission from national governments. Additionally, the treaty would weaken intellectual property rights, potentially compromising the ability of pharmaceutical companies to protect their innovations.

Perhaps most troubling to the governors is the treaty’s provision that calls for international collaboration to combat “misinformation” and “disinformation.” The broad language of this provision could be used to stifle free speech and dissenting opinions, further concentrating power in the hands of the WHO. The governors argue that this could lead to a scenario where the organization has the ability to control the narrative on global health issues, silencing voices that challenge its authority.

The letter from the governors makes it clear that they view these proposals as a direct threat to American sovereignty. They warn that adopting these measures could set a dangerous precedent, allowing an international organization to dictate public health policy in the United States.

A United Front Against Global Overreach

The governors’ opposition to the WHO’s proposals is not just about protecting state sovereignty—it’s also about preserving the rights of American citizens. The list of signatories includes some of the most prominent Republican leaders in the country, such as Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Abbott of Texas, and Sarah Sanders of Arkansas. These governors, along with their colleagues, are sending a clear message: they will not stand by while an international organization encroaches on the rights of their constituents.

The letter also highlights the governors’ concerns about the potential for the WHO to bypass the authority of state governments. By granting the WHO the power to declare public health emergencies, the proposed treaty could force states to follow directives from an international body, rather than making decisions based on the needs and preferences of their residents.

The governors argue that this is not just a theoretical concern. They point to the WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of how such powers could be abused. The organization’s handling of the crisis, including its initial downplaying of the virus and later promotion of strict lockdown measures, has been widely criticized. The governors fear that giving the WHO even more power could lead to similar missteps in the future.

Our Take

The WHO’s push for expanded powers is a direct challenge to American sovereignty. While international cooperation on public health is important, it should not come at the expense of our nation’s ability to make its own decisions. These proposals could open the door to a future where unelected global bureaucrats dictate the policies that affect our everyday lives. The governors’ resistance to these changes is not just about protecting state rights—it’s about safeguarding the freedoms of all Americans. We should be wary of any attempt to concentrate power in the hands of an organization that has shown it is far from infallible.