WHO Chief Rejects U.S. Claims Behind Withdrawal, Calls Accusations “Untrue”

The head of the World Health Organization has strongly refuted Washington’s justification for withdrawing from the UN health agency, describing the allegations as inaccurate and misleading. Speaking on Saturday, WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the U.S. decision to formally exit the organization “makes both the US and the world less safe.”

In a post on X, Tedros said the reasons cited by U.S. officials for the withdrawal were “untrue,” stressing that the WHO has always worked with the United States and all member states with full respect for national sovereignty.

The U.S. withdrawal was announced Thursday in a joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They accused the WHO of multiple failures during the Covid‑19 pandemic and of acting “against the interests of the United States.” The WHO has not yet confirmed whether the withdrawal has officially taken effect.

WHO Pushes Back Against U.S. Allegations
Rubio and Kennedy claimed the WHO had “trashed and tarnished” the United States and compromised its independence. In response, the WHO said the opposite was true, emphasizing that it has consistently engaged with Washington in good faith.

The agency also rejected accusations that its Covid‑19 response obstructed the sharing of critical information. Kennedy, in a video posted on X, blamed the WHO for American deaths in nursing homes and for economic losses linked to mask and vaccine mandates claims the WHO says misrepresent its role.

Tedros reiterated that the U.S. statement contained “inaccurate information,” noting that throughout the pandemic the WHO acted quickly, shared data transparently, and issued guidance based on the best available evidence. The agency added that while it recommended masks, vaccines and physical distancing, it never called for mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns.