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A fed up Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus briefing at the White House earlier today, turning back and walking away from the conference after a bitter exchange with two journalists.
The reaction followed combative exchanges with reporters Weijia Jiang of CBS News and Kaitlan Collins of CNN.
Jiang asked Trump why he was putting so much emphasis on the number of coronavirus tests that have been conducted in the United States.
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“Why does it matter?” Jiang asked. “Why is it a global competition for you if everyday Americans continue to lose their lives and continue to see more cases every day?”
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Trump replied that “they are losing their lives everywhere in the world. And maybe that’s a question I should ask China. Don’t ask me. Ask China that question.”
He called another question, and there was no immediate answer.
“Sir, why are you telling me that specifically?” Jiang asked. Jiang, who has worked for CBS News since 2015, was born in Xiamen, China, and emigrated to the United States with her family at 2 years old.
Trump said he would say that to “anyone who asks an unpleasant question.”
“It is not an unpleasant question,” Jiang said. “Why does it matter?”
Trump asked another question again, then said, “No, it’s okay,” and said goodbye to CNN’s Collins when he approached the microphone.
“You’ve pointed me out,” said Collins.
The president said, “I pointed you out and you didn’t respond.” Collins said he was giving Jiang time to finish his interrogation.
“Can I ask a question?” Collins said.
With that, Trump ended the press conference, held in the White House rose garden, and walked away.
Jiang and Collins wore masks for the press conference, as did most reporters, after recent reports that two White House employees, an assistant to Vice President Mike Pence and a valet to the President, had given positive for coronavirus.
– AP
• Covid19.govt.nz – The official government Covid-19 advisory website
