Bill Gates Slams Trump’s WHO Cuts: ‘As Dangerous As It Sounds’

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding to the World Health Organization during a pandemic. The billionaire warned that the President’s move will be dangerous and praised the body for its response to Coronavirus.

“Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds,” Gates tweeted.

Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever.

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) April 15, 2020

“Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs WHO now more than ever.”

Trump has accused the WHO of spreading Chinese disinformation, while his media and political allies beat the drum for funding cuts. However, the President’s conspiratorial language has been condemned and critics see it as just another way to divert attention from his own failings.

The administration already wanted the U.S. contribution to the WHO to be cut from $122.6m to $57.9m. These are very small sums in terms of the U.S. budget and international organizations. It remains to be seen if Trump actually has the authority to make these cuts.