This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 6, 2021, the United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers, medical associations, and advocacy organizations.
According to multiple officials, the Trump administration notified Congress and the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the WHO, citing a lack of reforms and a desire to protect American lives and interests.
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed to reverse the decision on his first day in office if elected.
Sen. Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, tweeted his disapproval of the decision, stating, “Congress received notification that POTUS officially withdrew the U.S. from the midst of a pandemic. 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.”
A State Department official confirmed that the United States’ notice of withdrawal had been submitted to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who is verifying whether all conditions for the withdrawal have been met.
President Donald Trump had previously announced his intention to withdraw from the WHO in May, citing the organization’s failure to make necessary reforms and its alleged aid to China in covering up the origins of the COVID-19 virus.
The US contribution to the WHO, $400-500 million, was deemed insufficient by Trump, who compared it unfavorably to China’s contribution.
