Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., told Newsmax Thursday that the World Health Organization has strayed far from its core purpose and accused the agency of being "bought and paid for by China."
"We should have got out of WHO years ago," Marshall told "The Record With Greta Van Susteren." "When the World Health Organization said there was no person-to-person transmission, COVID-19 was already in three different countries — Taiwan, Japan, and I forget the third country — yet they were denying it."
He also took aim at WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, saying the organization's leadership is complicit in failing to address early COVID-19 concerns.
"The World Health Organization, led by an Ethiopian doctor, Ghebreyesus, who was bought and paid for by China as well — the World Health Organization has gotten way outside of what its mission set should be," Marshall said.
"They should be focusing on clean water, on clean sewage, vaccines as well. But instead, they're way outside of their mission, and they are bought and paid for by China."
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States would withdraw from the WHO, citing the agency's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises.
Trump said the WHO had failed to remain independent from the "inappropriate political influence" of member states and imposed "unfairly onerous payments" on the United States while allowing larger nations, such as China, to contribute less.
The withdrawal sets a 12-month notice period for the United States to formally leave the United Nations health body and discontinue its financial contributions.
The U.S. has been the WHO's largest backer, providing roughly 18% of its funding. Reuters reported that the WHO's current two-year budget for 2024-2025 stands at $6.8 billion.
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE – See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.