RFK Jr. lauded as a hero after the U.S. rejects WHO’s proposed expanded pandemic powers.

Question

Gateway Pundit: RFK Jr. Lauded as Hero After U.S. Rejects WHO’s Expanded Pandemic Powers

Answer 1

This claim is misleading. While Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did formally reject the 2024 amendments to the WHO’s International Health Regulations on July 18, 2025, their justification that the World Health Organization (WHO) could “order global lockdowns” or enforce “vaccine passports," was factually incorrect. Experts clarified that the WHO’s recommendations are non-binding and do not override national sovereignty. Overall, there is no credible widespread evidence to show that RFK Jr. was being praised or called a hero.

Answer 2

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did issue a joint statement rejecting the WHO's 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). They cited concerns about insufficient public input, vague terminology, and argued that the amendments "elevate political ideals like solidarity above national preparedness."

However, whether Kennedy is being "lauded like a hero" is subjective. Certainly social media comments and conservative-leaning news outlets such as the Gateway Pundit have reported favorably on this development. However, mainstream sources including The Hill and the British Medical Journal have covered the story more neutrally or critically. The Hill noted that "public health experts decried Trump's move, warning that it would severely weaken domestic and global public health," suggesting those public health officials would likely describe Kennedy's rejection as less than 'heroic'.