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Most Americans oppose Trump’s decision to exit WHO — survey

The poll was conducted in the US on January 21, with around 3,500 participants

NEW YORK, January 22. /TASS/. The majority of Americans do not support US President Donald Trump’s choice to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a survey by the YouGov data analytics firm.

The survey revealed that 38% of the country's residents "strongly disapprove" of the US leaving the WHO, while 12% expressed that they "somewhat oppose" this decision. That said, 29% of the Americans to a certain degree support Trump’s decision. 20% of those surveyed were undecided as to whether they are for or against the US remaining in the organization.

The majority of those backing the US staying in the WHO are Democrats. Among the Democrats surveyed, 77% are in favor of remaining in the international body, with only 9% opposing it. In contrast, the Republicans have a different stance, with 58% supporting Trump’s decision and 28% opposing it.

The poll was conducted in the US on January 21, with around 3,500 participants. The margin of error was not specified.

On January 21, Trump signed an executive order for the US to leave the WHO. The American president cited data that during his term, the US paid $500 million annually in membership dues, with a population of about 350 million, while China, with over 1.4 billion people, paid about $39 million.

However, Trump added that WHO leadership had suggested the US remain in the organization and pay dues similar to those of China.

The process of the US leaving the WHO began during Trump’s first presidential term. On May 29, 2020, he announced his intention to sever all ties with the organization, accusing it of being completely controlled by China. The US then notified the UN about its departure from the WHO, effective July 6, 2021. Former US President Joe Biden overturned this decision on his first day in office.