WHO funding

The president had made his intentions clear in late May, accusing the WHO of being under China's control in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite calls from the EU and others, he said he would pull out of the UN agency and redirect funds elsewhere.

He has now notified the UN and Congress of his intentions, although the process could take at least a year.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, confirmed the US had notified it of its withdrawal, effective as of 6 July 2021.

He said the WHO had "failed in its basic duty" in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

He accused the UN body of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China, and said it must be held accountable.

Mr Trump has previously accused the WHO of being biased towards China.

The US president has himself come under criticism at home over his handling of the outbreak.

Over the years, the WHO has provided a variety of support - financial and human resources - to American Samoa and other Pacific islands.

Several years ago American Samoa received more than $US300 million annually.

The money also funded travel for senior health officials to attend off-island meetings.

Motusa Tuileama Nua told lawmakers that WHO funding is down to $US70,000 and that money goes directly to the Treasury.