Categories: USA

Trump pulling US out of World Health Organization

President Donald Trump had previously announced that US will be withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO). He has formally moved to withdraw the country from the global health body. In late May, Trump made his intentions clear as he accused WHO to being under China’s control in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

European Union and others made calls for stay, but Trump said he would pull out of the UN agency and redirect funds elsewhere. The UN and Congress are notified of his intentions, but the process could take at least a year. Spokesman for the UN secretary-general Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the US had notified it of its withdrawal, effective as of 6 July 2021.

Leading Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee Senator Robert Menendez wrote on Twitter, “Congress received notification that POTUS officially withdrew the US from the WHO in the midst of a pandemic.” He added, “It leaves Americans sick and America alone.” According to a senior US administration official, Washington had detailed the reforms that it wanted the WHO to make and engage with it directly, but that the WHO had refused to act.

The official was quoted saying, “Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship.” Joe Biden tweeted, “On my first day as President, I will rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage.” United States is WHO’s largest single contributor.

In 2019, US provided WHO more than $400m (£324m; €360m) around 15% of its total budget. Congress 1948 resolution allows the country to withdraw but must give a year’s notice and should pay outstanding fees. However, it is not clear whether Trump stands on that or not. Mr. Dujarric stressed that those conditions should be met.

Shawn Genzone

Senior writer at the Chicago Morning Star

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

11 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

11 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

12 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

12 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

12 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.