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In a striking address to the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 20, 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a pointed critique of the World Health Organization (WHO), defending the Trump administration’s withdrawal decision. His remarks, broadcast via video, underscored a transformative moment in global health policy, signaling the United States’ intent to hold the WHO accountable for what Kennedy described as “bureaucratic bloat, entrenched paradigms, conflicts of interest, and international power politics.” As the U.S. takes steps to pause funding and support to the WHO, Kennedy’s speech outlined a vision for a new era of global health cooperation—one rooted in transparency, efficiency, and accountability to citizens over corporate or transnational interests.
A Call for Accountability
Kennedy’s address to the World Health Assembly, the WHO’s primary decision-making body, was both a critique and a call to action. He highlighted longstanding concerns about the organization’s governance, accusing it of succumbing to political pressures, particularly from China, and failing to prioritize the interests of its 194 Member States. “While the United States has historically provided the lion’s share of the organization’s funding, other countries such as China have exerted undue influence over its operations in ways that serve their interests and not particularly the global public,” Kennedy stated.
This critique aligns with the Trump administration’s broader stance on international institutions, emphasizing national sovereignty and accountability. On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14155, directing the U.S. government to halt the transfer of funds, support, or resources to the WHO. This move formalizes the administration’s commitment to withdrawing from the organization, a decision rooted in dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of global health crises, notably the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kennedy pointed to the WHO’s performance during the pandemic as a prime example of its shortcomings. “Global cooperation on health is still critically important to President Trump and me, but it isn’t working very well under the WHO as the failures of the COVID era demonstrate,” he said. He urged the world’s health ministers to view the U.S. withdrawal as a “wake-up call” to reform the organization or build new frameworks that better serve global health needs.
The WHO’s Role and Its Challenges
The World Health Assembly, attended by all WHO Member States delegations, is tasked with setting the organization’s policies, appointing its Director-General, overseeing financial policies, and approving its program budget. However, Kennedy argued that the WHO has strayed from its mission, becoming entangled in bureaucratic inefficiencies and conflicts of interest. He accused the organization of prioritizing transnational and corporate agendas over the needs of individual nations and their citizens.
The U.S. has historically been the WHO’s most significant financial contributor, providing approximately 16% of its budget in recent years, far surpassing contributions from other nations. Despite this, Kennedy highlighted concerns about China’s growing influence within the organization, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis when the WHO faced criticism for delayed responses and perceived deference to Chinese authorities. These issues and a lack of transparency and fair governance have fueled the Trump administration’s decision to reevaluate its relationship with the WHO.
A Vision for a New Era of Global Health
While Kennedy’s remarks were critical, they also extended an olive branch to the international community. He invited health ministers worldwide to join the U.S. in forging a new path for global health cooperation. “I urge my international colleagues to create new institutions or revisit existing institutions that are lean, efficient, transparent, and accountable,” he said. This vision emphasizes streamlined operations and governance structures that prioritize the needs of citizens over political or corporate interests.
The call for new or reformed institutions reflects a broader trend in the Trump administration’s approach to international engagement, favoring bilateral or coalition-based partnerships over large, centralized organizations. By advocating for “lean” and “efficient” alternatives, Kennedy signaled that the U.S. is open to collaborating with like-minded nations to address pressing global health challenges, such as pandemics, vaccine distribution, and chronic disease prevention, but only under frameworks that align with its principles of accountability and transparency.
The Road Ahead
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO is not immediate, as it involves a one-year notice period under the organization’s constitution, with the process expected to conclude by July 2026. In the interim, the pause in U.S. funding could significantly impact the WHO’s operations, given the country’s substantial financial contributions. Analysts predict that this move may prompt other nations to reassess their commitments to the organization, potentially reshaping the global health landscape.
Critics of the withdrawal argue that it could undermine global health efforts, particularly in areas like infectious disease surveillance and emergency response, where the WHO plays a central role. Supporters contend that the move will pressure the WHO to address its inefficiencies and restore trust among Member States. The administration’s emphasis on accountability may also resonate with other nations frustrated by the WHO’s governance challenges.
As the world watches the fallout from this decision, Kennedy’s remarks have set the stage for a broader debate about the future of global health governance. Will the WHO adapt to these criticisms, or will new institutions emerge to fill the void? For now, the Trump administration is betting on the latter, inviting global partners to join in building a system that better serves the health and well-being of citizens worldwide.
Conclusion
Secretary Kennedy’s address to the World Health Assembly marks a pivotal moment in the U.S.’s approach to global health. The Trump administration is pushing for a system that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and accountability by challenging the WHO’s status quo and advocating for a reimagined framework. While the path forward remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the U.S. is determined to hold international health organizations accountable, ensuring they serve people’s interests, not politics. As Kennedy concluded, “The United States is ready to lead in a new era of cooperation—one that puts the health of our citizens first.”
For more information, visit the HHS website or review Executive Order 14155.
Author: Barby Ingle
Published by: International Pain Foundation, iPain Living Blog, Team iPain
Sources:
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, May 20, 2025
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Executive Order 14155, January 20, 2025
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World Health Organization Constitution
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Reuters, May 20, 2025
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The Wall Street Journal, May 21, 2025
