California aligns with WHO to counter the Trump health agenda

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, marking California’s first formal partnership with WHO and serving as a rebuke to Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the organization. The move underscores California’s push to lead on public health and preparedness, and builds on recent state initiatives like the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange and the Governors Public Health Alliance as it positions California as a counterweight to federal health policy.