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President Donald Trump denies mitigating the coronavirus threat. He says this a week after an excerpt from the renowned journalist Bob Woodward’s book “Rage” revealed otherwise.
Woodward’s book is based on 18 interviews with Trump in the period from December 5 of last year to July 21 of this year. In excerpts from books and audio clips released by, among others, CNN last week, it was revealed that the president deliberately downplayed the mortality of the virus.
On Wednesday night, the president appeared on ABC News’ “Town Hall” broadcast, where Philadelphia voters could ask the president questions.
“If you think it is the responsibility of the president to protect America, why would he tone down a pandemic known to affect low-income families and minorities?” Asked one woman.
Trump denied underestimating the threat of the disease, writes ABC News.
Revealed in new book: – Mortal
– Very good work
– Well, I didn’t lower my tone. In fact, in many ways, I “played” it when it comes to action. My action was very strong, replied the president.
The woman apparently referred to Woodward’s book when the sentence began:
– Didn’t you admit it yourself and say that you …
But the president interrupted it, referring to travel bans for China and Europe in February and March.
– We would have lost thousands more if the travel ban had not been initiated. It is called action, not verbal, but real action. We did a very, very good job when we started the ban. Whatever you call it talent or luck, it was very important. So we saved a lot of lives when we did, Trump said.
The United States has been hit hard by the virus and has been on a huge wave of infections for a long time. At the time of writing, the United States has more than six million recorded cases of infection, the highest number in the world, and more than 195,000 Americans have lost their lives due to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The president and administration have long been criticized for their handling of the crisis.
He underestimated the danger of the crown: – It can be a strategy
– It would not create panic
Trump’s statement, which is in sharp contrast to the statements in the book “Rage,” attracts the attention of the US media. NBC News, CNN, CNBC and The Hill cover the case.
As mentioned, a week has passed since excerpts from the next book and audio clips of the conversations between Woodward and Trump were released.
“These are deadly things,” Donald Trump said of the February 7 coronavirus.
In the conversation, Trump said the virus is perhaps five times more deadly than the common flu. 19 days later, he told a news conference that the virus “is like a common flu,” according to ABC News.
He later admitted to Woodward that he was trying to portray the virus as less dangerous than it was.
Equip in the fight against Trump
– I always wanted to tone it down. I still like to tone it down, because I don’t want to create panic, she said in an interview with the award-winning journalist on March 19.
Trump responded to the criticism that followed on the same day that the US media reported on the revelation of the book. During a press conference, the president stressed that he did not want to sow panic in the population.
– Why did you lie to the American people? Asked a journalist.
– It’s horrible to say. I did not lie. I wanted to keep calm. Bob Woodward is a man I respect. I thought it would be interesting to talk to him. I don’t know if the book is good or bad. If Woodward thought the statement was stupid, he should have said so. You are a shame, replies the president.
