New Trump Props Set Odds on WHO Funding and Fauci Being Fired
- The latest props on President Trump focus on funding the World Health Organization and firing infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci
- But bettors can only wager on the “no” side of both props; is that an indication of an inevitable outcome?
- Analysis of both situations with odds and projections on the outcomes follow in the story below
Donald Trump has retweeted someone calling for the firing of Dr Anthony Fauci. The President made a public pronouncement that he was going to halt all US funding to the World Health Organization (WHO).
What are the odds of either of these outcomes coming to fruition? Unlikely, it would appear, based on the betting lines offered by one prominent online sportsbook.
The sportsbook is giving odds of -1000 against Trump permanently stopping WHO funding.
In the betting market relating to Fauci’s firing, the odds are -3300 that it won’t happen.
Odds Trump Administration Will Permanently Halt WHO Funding
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| No | -1000 |
| Yes | OFF |
Odds taken April 15th. Wager stipulates that it must be done by Jan. 1st, 2021.
Trump, whose 2020 Presidential elections odds have been slipping, said during his daily COVID-19 media conference on Tuesday that he was going to suspend all US funding of WHO. He sought to blame the organization for the slow response to the coronavirus in the USA. Most analysts saw this tack simply as an effort by Trump to shift the blame for his own failings.
Then again, it’s entirely possible that Trump believes WHO to be fronted by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. This is a man, after all, who stared directly into a solar eclipse.
Several prominent Americans have come forward to criticize Trump’s plans to defund WHO. This list includes former President Jimmy Carter and billionaire business mogul Bill Gates.
The USA is the #1 supplier of funds to WHO at $400 million annually. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated they would regret any reduction in US funding. He added they would work with other nations to recoup any loss of funding.
Trump Can’t Do It
In reality, the President doesn’t possess the necessary power to halt funding to WHO. The White House can’t block funding of international institutions that is mandated by Congress.
Trump said today: “Tragically other nations put their trust in the WHO and they didn’t do any form of ban. And you see what happened to Italy…"
Italy announced on Jan. 30 it was banning flights from China. Trump announced his non-ban restrictions on China on Jan. 31.
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) April 16, 2020
However, this administration has managed to leapfrog other constitutional hurdles in the past. They could simply fail to disburse funds, much like the stunt Trump pulled with Ukraine that led to his impeachment. Or the administration could apply sanctions against WHO.
To formally rescind the funding would require Senate approval.
Odds Anthony Fauci Is Fired or Resigns by Jan. 1, 2021
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| No | -3300 |
| Yes | OFF |
Fauci On Firing Line
Fauci is a rare bird among the many who’ve served under Trump during his three years in the Oval Office. A world-renowned infectious disease expert, Fauci speaks truth. Also, he isn’t afraid to correct Trump when the POTUS isn’t dealing in facts.
That makes him stand out from the crowd of sycophants who surround the President. It also puts Fauci dangerously in line with Trump’s bombsights.
When Trump retweeted failed California Congressional candidate DeAnna Lorraine on Sunday, it created a pandemic panic. She’d posted a tweet with the hashtag #firefauci.
Realisitcally, as much as he’d probably like to get rid of Fauci, Trump – or at least the people who have Trump’s ear – know he needs Fauci’s expertise.
Sorry Fake News, it’s all on tape. I banned China long before people spoke up. Thank you @OANN https://t.co/d40JQkUZg5
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2020
Fauci has dedicated his life to helping fight life-threatening viruses such as COVID-19. He won’t abdandon his post and put Americans in the hands of whatever crackpot Trump might bring in if Fauci left of his own accord.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
