US to leave World Health Organization in July 2021

Washington informs UN, but pullout comes after the presidential election

20200707N Tedros WHO

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, attends a press conference at the agency's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on June 25. © AP

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won't take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.

The withdrawal notification makes good on President Donald Trump's vow in late May to terminate U.S. participation in the WHO, which he has harshly criticized for its response to the coronavirus pandemic and accused of bowing to Chinese influence.

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