Coronavirus: Trump formally pulling US out of WHO over ‘China puppet’ claims. Biden promises to rejoin it if he wins
- Letter submitted to UN secretary general triggers one-year withdrawal timeline
- US nears 3 million known infections as coronavirus surges in many states
The United States officially notified the UN secretary general of the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation on Tuesday, setting in motion the country’s exit from the global body.
President Donald Trump in May said he would withdraw from the WHO, accusing the organisation of failing in the coronavirus pandemic and being a puppet of China. Trump also announced a funding halt to the WHO in a move that has drawn concern, including from US allies.
The move, effective July 6, 2021, was confirmed by a senior administration official, the UN and later the WHO itself. The WHO offered no further comment.
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A spokesman for the UN noted that exit conditions include giving a one-year notice and “fully meeting” financial obligations.
Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, earlier said the Trump administration had notified Congress of the US withdrawal and was sharply critical of the president.
“To call Trump’s response to Covid chaotic & incoherent doesn’t do it justice. This won’t protect American lives or interests – it leaves Americans sick & America alone,” Menendez, of New Jersey, said on Twitter.
A chorus of Democrats followed in slamming the administration, warning on the dangers of exiting a global health body in middle of a pandemic.