Donald Trump is not just downplaying the coronavirus, he is flat out lying about the global health emergency. And while he is falsely blaming the Democrats for politicizing the virus, it’s he and those close to him who are doing just that. Early Friday his son, Donald Trump Jr., said that Democrats hope coronavirus kills millions of people. Then Friday night his father claimed, “This is their new hoax.”
To clarify he is saying that coronavirus is a hoax created by Democrats.
The virus that began in China, now has 85,000 confirmed cases around the globe. Nearly 3000 people have died as a result of COVID19. Trump also lied about the number of cases in the United States, saying there are just 15 cases. In reality, there are more than 60 cases confirmed.
“By undermining the news reporting on the virus and by trying to hold liberals responsible for a potential public health crisis that has little to do with politics, Trump did what he often does best: He sought to deflect blame at a time when many Americans sought leadership and scientific facts.”
Honestly if Trump is willing to call what public health officials around the world say is a very serious public health situation a “hoax,” then there’s nothing he won’t do.
Republicans in Congress, I’m gonna just keep asking: you still ok with this? Still don’t see the danger? https://t.co/dop6y9L3K5
— Ian Bassin (@ianbassin) February 29, 2020
Joe Biden reacted to the president’s comments saying, “The president of the United States says it’s a hoax? It’s hard to believe. Even for him it’s hard to believe. It’s just bizarre. Absolutely bizarre.”
Biden on Trump’s coronavirus “hoax” comments (1of 2): “Some of the stuff he says is so bizarre that you can laugh at it. When you say things like that, it just so diminishes the faith that people around the world have in the United States.”
https://t.co/kjZRhYKcG2 pic.twitter.com/LvfuiP1TvP— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) February 29, 2020
Trump last night: coronavirus is a hoax; and his supporters should dishonestly vote in the Democratic primary for his weakest opponent, Sanders. Trump is dangerous to our public health and our civic health. South Carolinians: Please select a Democratic nominee who can defeat him.
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) February 29, 2020
The Senate gave Trump a pass for putting his re-election ahead of our national security in Ukraine. Coronavirus may not be as kind to people who catch it because he’s more concerned with re-election than public health. His base, sadly, may learn it’s not a hoax the hard way. https://t.co/063cyMvn9f
— Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) February 29, 2020
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*This piece contains opinion and analysis
