Trump Claims He ‘Saved Many Lives’ When He ‘Closed the Country Down’

President Donald Trump has claimed his response to the Coronavirus has saved lives. Trump made the claim on Twitter while more cases of the disease are expected to be diagnosed in the United States. He also wrongly claimed he had closed the country to China.

“I was criticized by the Democrats when I closed the Country down to China many weeks ahead of what almost everyone recommended. Saved many lives,” Trump said.

I was criticized by the Democrats when I closed the Country down to China many weeks ahead of what almost everyone recommended. Saved many lives. Dems were working the Impeachment Hoax. They didn’t have a clue! Now they are fear mongering. Be calm & vigilant!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 2, 2020

“Dems were working the Impeachment Hoax. They didn’t have a clue! Now they are fear mongering. Be calm & vigilant!”

Trump has repeatedly tried to downplay the virus, while the CDC has worked to diagnose the virus. The administration’s response has been widely criticized as muddled, with some confusion following Vice President Mike Pence’s appointment to lead the task force.

The administration has introduced new restrictions on travel from China due to the outbreak, but this does not amount to closing the country. More cases are expected in the U.S. and the Trump administration’s response will be closely watched by critics.