US Democrats: "Trump Has No Authority to Halt WHO Funding"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. The U.S. Democratic Party criticized Trump, stating that he does not have the authority to decide to stop support for the WHO, while international organizations including the United Nations and world leaders have also pointed out that this decision is wrong.

According to CNBC, on the 15th (local time), Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, strongly condemned President Trump’s declaration to suspend WHO funding in a statement. Speaker Pelosi emphasized, "This decision is dangerous and illegal, and we will promptly challenge it," adding, "Funding for the WHO is based on congressional resolutions, and the president does not have the authority to halt it." Evan Hollander, Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, also criticized, saying, "President Trump is blaming the WHO to shirk his own responsibilities."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Earlier, at a press conference held at the White House the previous day, President Trump suggested halting funding by stating, "The WHO has not fulfilled its basic duties." Within the Trump administration, there are speculations that support funds might be redirected to other organizations such as the Red Cross instead of the WHO. According to foreign media including the Associated Press, a senior official from the Trump administration said, "We can donate the WHO funds to the Red Cross or another similar organization," adding, "Congress likely cannot block support being redirected elsewhere."

Countries around the world, including the WHO, have criticized the announcement to stop funding. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a virtual briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, "The U.S. president’s remarks on halting WHO funding are very regrettable," and added, "We are reviewing the impact of the U.S. withdrawal of funding and will work to resolve financial issues."

Ant?nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), also stated in a press release, "Now is not the time to reduce support for the WHO or other humanitarian organizations’ efforts to combat the virus," emphasizing, "The international community must continue to cooperate to prevent the virus and its consequences." The Chinese government issued a statement saying, "The U.S. decision will affect all countries," and urged, "The United States must fulfill its obligations to the WHO." The German Foreign Ministry also stressed, "The virus knows no borders," highlighting the need for close cooperation within the international community, including the WHO.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.