United States Rejects WHO Pandemic Regulations Over Sovereignty Concerns

The United States government formally rejected amendments to the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulations and a separate pandemic agreement on July 18, 2025. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the changes violate U.S. sovereignty and risk unwarranted interference with national health policy, potentially infringing on Americans' speech, privacy, and personal liberties.

Administration officials argued the amendments could allow an unelected organization to order lockdowns and travel restrictions. They further claimed the reforms fail to address the WHO's susceptibility to political influence and censorship, specifically from China. The rejected measures included the creation of a pandemic emergency category and a requirement for manufacturers to allocate 20% of vaccines and tests to the WHO for distribution to poor countries.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed regret over the decision, asserting that the amendments were intended to improve cooperation and respect member state sovereignty. He clarified that the WHO lacks the authority to mandate lockdowns or quarantines.

This rejection follows a 12-month withdrawal process from the WHO initiated by President Donald Trump in January 2025. The State Department noted that the formal rejection was necessary because the 2024 regulations would have otherwise remained binding on the United States.