President Trump announced his plan to cut funding to the World Health Organization pending an investigation into the organizations handling of the Coronavirus pandemic. While some on Twitter supported the presidents decision, citing the organization’s issues, other slammed this move as another example of the presidents’ mishandled response to #COVID19.
Dear @realDonaldTrump: The existence of #COVID19 in other countries will continue to threaten the national security and health of the American people. The World Health Organization helps fight the virus. Halting funding to the WHO in the middle of a pandemic is really stupid. https://t.co/lirUg73rPs
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 15, 2020
The largest professional association of physicians, the American Medical Association, labeled President #Trump’s announcement Tuesday that he will put a hold on funding for the World Health Organization “dangerous.” @WHO #WHO #COVID19
— Michael Holmes (@holmescnn) April 14, 2020
The World Health Organization has a budget smaller than that of some US hospitals, yet it is charged with keeping the world safe. Trump has shown zero global leadership against the virus, and now he is undermining one organization that has, imperfectly, tried show leadership.
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) April 14, 2020
Those who saw the move as a fatal error acknowledge that WHO has been imperfect in its response to the pandemic. However, they give the agency credit as an international health organization and believe Trump’s plan to cut funding is an attempt to deflect from allegations that his administration mishandled its response to the pandemic.
This is why we need fundamental reform and strong US leadership at @WHO that will stand up to Chinese malign influence. Had @WHO responded to Taiwan’s inquiries in December, the world would have been better equipped to respond to #COVID19.https://t.co/7BN8Wu5LMf
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) April 14, 2020
The folks around the world who have lost loved ones to #COVID19 deserve answers. The @WHO needs to be held accountable for its role in helping Communist China cover up this pandemic. I joined @SenRickScott & my colleagues to request info on the WHO’s failed and delayed response. pic.twitter.com/6oVLtpqSvI
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) April 14, 2020
The #UnitedStates has halted funding to the @WHO. It's about time. The #WHO’s bloated bureaucracy is just a propaganda promoter for the #Communists in #China. Perhaps the only welcomed victim of #COVID19 is the #WorldHealthOrganization.#WHOLiedPeopleDied. pic.twitter.com/MVbNaKM5KL
— Prof. Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) April 14, 2020
Others support the president’s plan, implying WHO to be a problematic organizations. Those in favor of the plan accused WHO of displaying bias toward China and not responding appropriately to proposed travel bans. While the effects of the proposed funding cut cannot yet be known, it is clear this move has proved to be politically divisive. I suspect it will further divide Democrats and Republicans as we approach the upcoming election.