The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, urging the U.S. to reconsider. Tedros addressed claims made in Trump’s executive order, including accusations of failure to adopt reforms, unfair financial demands, and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tedros highlighted the WHO’s recent reforms and its efforts to broaden its donor base to reduce reliance on major contributors. In response to Trump’s charge of mishandling the pandemic, Tedros defended the WHO’s swift action from the outset of the outbreak and its ongoing efforts to improve global health responses.

Regarding accusations of political influence, Tedros insisted that the WHO remains impartial, stating that the agency rejects any requests not backed by scientific evidence. He reiterated the WHO’s hope for the U.S. to reconsider its decision to withdraw, which would leave a significant gap in its funding and ability to respond to global health challenges.