The decision to halt funding has been met with condemnation from world leaders and medical organizations alike, with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarking in a statement that now is not the time to reduce resources or funding to WHO. “Now is the time for unity and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences.”

AMA President Dr. Patrice Harris in her own statement called it a “dangerous” action on Trump’s part. “Fighting a global pandemic requires international cooperation and reliance on science and data. Cutting funding to the WHO — rather than focusing on solutions — is a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world. The AMA is deeply concerned by this decision and its wide-ranging ramifications, and we strongly urge the president to reconsider.”

The move comes amid mounting criticism against Trump for what many perceive as his failure to adequately address the crisis, according to The New York Times. Trump has defended his actions, particularly his decision to impose travel restrictions on China which he says [saved] “thousands and thousands of lives”. The move was opposed by WHO, which said it would do little to stop the spread of the virus.

Trump did not specify if the U.S. would permanently stop funding to the WHO.

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