The DC: Trump moves to pull U.S. out of WHO, and... 🎵 Should the U.S. ban TikTok?

Welcome to Wednesday, July 8th, upside-downs and rightside-ups...

The Trump administration notified Congress on Tuesday that it informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of its intent to withdraw, a process which will be finalized in July 2021.

The U.S. has been the biggest donor to the United Nations-sponsored health agency, contributing $400 million in 2019―about 15% of the WHO budget.

President Donald Trump initially suspended U.S. funding for the agency in April over its handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, insisting on reforms to lessen the influence of the People’s Republic of China on the WHO. In May, Trump gave the WHO 30 days to reform or the funding suspension would become permanent, and later that month the president announced the termination of the U.S. relationship with the WHO after no reforms were pursued.

During the pandemic, the WHO has repeatedly praised the PRC for its efforts to control the pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China, despite evidence that Chinese Communist Party officials suppressed the disclosure of information about the virus during the early stages of the outbreak. 

Do you support the U.S. withdrawing from WHO?

For a politics-free guide to how to protect you and your loved ones from corona, click on over to our Coronavirus Info Center.

On the Radar

Should the U.S. Ban TikTok?

The U.S. is “looking at” banning TikTok and other Chinese social media apps over national security concerns, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News on Monday. Pompeo's remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.

TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform, is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance. It's been downloaded more than two billion times in the last three years. Members of Congress and the U.S. intelligence community have expressed concerns that the platform censors content and that its data could be accessed by Beijing.

Pompeo said he doesn't recommend downloading the app unless "you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party."

Would you support a U.S. ban on TikTok?

Under the Radar

Georgia Governor Declares State of Emergency

After the Fourth of July weekend saw five Georgians killed by gunfire and over 30 wounded, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on Monday declared a state of emergency and authorized the deployment of the Georgia National Guard. Kemp said:

“Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead. This lawlessness must be stopped and order restored in our capital city. I have declared a State of Emergency and called up the Georgia Guard because the safety of our citizens comes first."

Kemp’s declaration allows for up to 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops to be called up, and they will provide support at state buildings such as the Capitol, the Dept. of Public Safety Headquarters (which was vandalized), and Governor’s Mansion to free up state law enforcement officers to increase patrols on roadways and in communities, particularly in Atlanta.

Should governors activate their state’s National Guard to keep the peace if protests turn violent?

Also Worth a Click

• Trump Signs Bill Extending Paycheck Protection Program Lending

And, in the End…

On this date in 1969, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent for the game "Twister."

Combat the heat and celebrate National Freezer Pop Day or National Ice Cream Sundae Day,

—Josh Herman

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