Trump Administration Sidelines Surgeon General Jerome Adams

The Trump administration has reportedly sidelined Surgeon General Jerome Adams. Adams has been a highly visible member of the Coronavirus response, doing TV interviews and speaking directly to the American people about the disease.

Adams made only one TV appearance last week after making more than 10 the week before. He reportedly received several interview requests but the White House turned them down. He also hasn’t been at the daily Coronavirus press briefing since 10 April.

The Surgeon General has highlighted that ethnic minorities are more at risk from Coronavirus and raised the issue of disparities in medical outcomes among different racial groups. But he also caused outrage at a briefing for using stereotypical language to describe family members in minority groups.

The administration has defended its approach to minorities and the virus but Adams was the most vocal member of the Coronavirus task force highlighting the issue. Whether this has resulted in his sidelining is an open an question but the White House defended his actions.

Reporting around this issue may induce the White House to include Adams at today’s briefing. There will likely be questions about his absence since 10 April.