Trump Says He’s Done a ‘Very Good Job’ on Coronavirus: ‘Many Lives Were Saved’
President Donald Trump was up early on Wednesday attacking the media and once again defending his response to the Covid-19 global pandemic, which has won broad criticism. Trump initially downplayed the seriousness of the virus and even suggested it was a Democratic hoax.
“I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the ‘borders’ from China – against the wishes of almost all,” Trump said.
“Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!”
I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the “borders” from China – against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
Once again, Trump has referred to Covid-19 by the inaccurate and racially loaded term ‘China Virus’. The World Health Organization has asked people not to use this or similar terms as they do not reflect the reality of the disease and cause stigma.
Trump’s first reaction to the outbreak was to downplay its’ severity. He only later responded to the seriousness of it in an appropriate way, though there is still criticism of his actions since there is not yet a federal approach to shutting down public places and social distancing.
Trump also said he would help people who were hurt economically by the virus, though he’s made similar promises before that didn’t pan out.
“For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you,” he said.
For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
“The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever!”
