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President Trump announces termination of US relationship with WHO

Trump previously announced the nation would pull its funding

US President Donald Trump walks off Marine One on the south lawn of the White House on May 17, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)

WASHINGTON – During a news conference on Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump announced the end of the United States’ relationship with the World Health Organization.

Trump said he made this decision because the group hasn’t made coronavirus reforms.

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He said Chinese officials “ignored” their reporting obligations to the WHO and pressured the WHO to mislead the world when the virus was first discovered.

He noted that the U.S. contributes about $450 million to the world body while China provides about $40 million.

The U.S. is the largest source of financial support to the WHO and its exit is expected to significantly weaken the organization. Trump said the U.S. would be “redirecting” the money to “other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs,” without providing specifics.