The U.S. pays more than $400 million in American tax dollars to the WHO, while China pays $44 million. Following multiple reports detailing problems with the WHO and questioning WHO leader Tedros’ integrity, President Trump has put a freeze on the U.S. dues, saying the funds would for now be given to other organizations working to treat health issues around the world.

(The UK Daily Mail notes “The British and US governments [2 out of the 191 UN member countries] fund about a quarter of WHO's $2.2 billion annual budget, while China gave $44.3 million last year.)

From a report by The Hill headlined: Trump WHO cuts meet with furious blowback

President Trump’s decision to suspend funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) is meeting with furious blowback from business groups, Democrats, foreign leaders and health groups, who say he is jeopardizing the global response to the pandemic.

While Republicans, some of who have joined Trump’s criticism of the WHO, have not slammed the decision to halt funding, the White House is coming under attack from many other directions over the issue.

Reuters reports, “Trump’s move prompted condemnation from world leaders…” and asserts that “The United States is the world’s worst-affected country” without noting that many have pointed out our numbers are honest, China’s are not, and other countries might not be competent to provide accurate numbers.

Reuters reports on the official reaction from Democrats: House Speaker Pelosi said of President Trump’s announcement, “The President’s halting of funding to the WHO as it leads the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic is senseless. This decision is dangerous, illegal and will be swiftly challenged.”

Democrats have been largely dismissive of claims of Chinese duplicity, instead focusing criticism on the Trump administration’s response. “The reason that we are in the crisis that we are today is not because of anything that China did, not because of anything the WHO did, it’s because of what this president did,” Senator Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) said Tuesday.

1. Considering the damning evidence against the WHO, why do you think Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has slammed the president for putting a hold on the $400 million U.S. tax dollars going to the WHO each year?

2. Should politics play a role in the issue of the WHO’s corruption, or should the Democrats stand with the President on this issue? Explain your answer.

3. Ask a parent the same questions. Discuss your answers.