Trump threatens WHO he will take 'action' next week after exaggerating amount US contributes to budget
President's stated funding amount towers over reality as he teases WHO changes next week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump is threatening a major shakeup of the World Health Organisation after criticising it for missing the coronavirus outbreak and complaining the United States pays far more than other countries like China.
Mr Trump campaigned on the United States, in his view, paying too much into NATO coffers, and also criticised the World Trade Organisation. But while he pushed for funding changes, the president did not move to essentially terminate either global entity.
He told reporters during his daily coronavirus briefing that he will discuss potential WHO reforms "next week," suggesting any changes might be related to how much Washington gives the organisation annually.
But in doing so, he exaggerated – again – the US funding contribution.
Mr Trump continues saying, depending on the year, that Washington pays $500m or $400m or $300m into the group. But budget documents show the US was slated to give the WHO around $120m in 2020 and his administration is proposing to cut that amount by half in 2021.
The organisation's leader this week responded to Mr Trump's criticisms by saying now would not be "the time" for a US funding reduction amid a pandemic.
One of Mr Trump's top Senate GOP allies, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who chairs a subcommittee that oversees that chamber's spending legislation that includes the WHO funding line. He says he will propose stripping it out – but final yearly spending measures are months from being finalised and Democrats, who generally favour global entities, run the House.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments