Lady Gaga praised the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday as he faces increasing criticism from President Trump and conservatives.
The singer shared her praise while joining WHO’s daily coronavirus briefing to discuss the lineup for the “One World: Together at Home” benefit concert, which has already raised $50 million to fight COVID-19.
“Dr. Tedros, you’re truly a superstar,” she said, speaking directly to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Thank you so much to the media for telling the stories of all of these medical professionals and getting the word out about how under-resourced their systems are.”
“During this time we have seen a coming together of a singular, kind, global community,” Lady Gaga continued. “This triumph has instilled in myself and my colleagues a true calling to call upon the private sector and philanthropists to commit millions of dollars to support the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 response.”
Her comments follow President Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that he would withhold funds from WHO pending a review by his administration. Trump had been ramping up his attacks against WHO, which initially criticized travel bans like the one Trump imposed on China. The president and some conservatives have also said WHO has not been transparent about the virus.
The revoked funding has been met with fierce blowback from Democrats and other world leaders.
“A weak person blames others,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement. “This decision is dangerous, illegal and will be swiftly challenged.”