Trump administration moves to withdraw U.S. from World Health Organization

The Trump administration has reportedly taken action toward withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization.

News outlets citing an unidentified senior administration official have reported that notice of the nation's intent to withdraw has been provided to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Departure from the body reportedly involves providing one year of notice. 

President Trump has for months suggested he would make such a move. The president and other world leaders have been critical of how the United Nations-affiliated WHO handled information related to the start of the coronavirus in China. 

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez tweeted that Congress has been informed about the withdrawal, a move he sharply criticized.

"Congress received notification that POTUS officially withdrew the U.S. from the @WHO in the midst of a pandemic," the senator tweeted. "To call Trump’s response to COVID chaotic & incoherent doesn't do it justice. This won't protect American lives or interests—it leaves Americans sick & America alone."