RFK Jr. blames WHO for COVID-19 failures and China's influence

On May 21, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, during the World Health Assembly, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a pre-recorded video outlining his criticisms of the World Health Organization (WHO). He emphasized the organization’s failures in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that it capitulated to Chinese influence. Kennedy pointed out that the WHO suppressed crucial reports regarding human-to-human transmission early in the pandemic, instead promoting the narrative that the virus originated from wildlife. He expressed discontent over the U.S. withdrawal from WHO, initiated by President Donald Trump due to concerns about the organization's effectiveness and political influences. The video faced controversy as it was not broadcast during the Assembly sessions, despite the airing of messages from other global leaders. Instead, Kennedy's remarks highlighted the longstanding issues within the WHO’s operations, including the perceived conflicts of interest and excessive bureaucratic practices that undermine its ability to serve global public health. Furthermore, while the U.S. sought to distance itself from WHO amidst financial criticisms, China emerged as a significant supporter by pledging an additional $500 million to the organization over the next five years. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong announced this contribution at the Assembly, indicating China's intent to fill the leadership vacuum left by the U.S. Kennedy called for reforms in WHO and encouraged other nations to join the U.S. in abandoning the organization’s current structure. Despite such statements, WHO member states unified to adopt a pandemic agreement aimed at improving global health security, suggesting a divergence between the U.S. and the global community. This treaty reflected international cooperation after three years of negotiations, underscoring differing perspectives on how to manage future pandemic challenges.