President Trump
Donald John TrumpDHS expands staff authority to collect information on people who threaten monuments: Republican report points to Trump’s payroll tax cut on Republican coronavirus bill, for now Trump threatens to duplicate Portland in other major cities PLUS He said Tuesday that the new outbreak of coronavirus in the United States “would get worse before improving” amid sudden increases in cases in some parts of the country.
“It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better,” Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on Tuesday night. “Something I don’t like to say about things, but that’s the way it is.”
She then implored Americans to wear masks, practice physical distance, and wash their hands, and urged young Americans to avoid bars.
“We are asking everyone to wear a mask when you cannot socially distance yourself,” Trump said. “Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They will have an effect and we need everything we can get. “
The comments represented a notable change in tone for the President. As of Tuesday, he had greatly minimized the increase in cases in states such as Florida, Arizona, Texas and California, and for weeks had refused to urge the use of face masks.
The United States has repeatedly established daily records for new coronavirus cases, eclipsing 76,000 new cases on Friday. The country recorded more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, marking the first time since May that it has surpassed that grim milestone.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 141,000 people had died from COVID-19 in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University.
During an interview that aired on “Fox News Sunday,” Trump falsely attributed the increase in cases to increased evidence capacity, and claimed that the United States “would put out the flames.”
On Tuesday, Trump acknowledged a “worrying increase” in cases in the western and southern parts of the country while expressing optimism that the federal government and state leaders could meet the challenge. He said his administration is increasing supplies and staff to states that have seen an increase in cases.
Trump’s appearance, his first coronavirus-focused briefing in nearly three months, comes as he faces mounting disapproval rates for his handling of the pandemic. 60% of Americans disapprove of their management of the coronavirus, according to a Washington Post-ABC News survey published last week.
Trump also faces an uphill battle for reelection against the alleged Democratic candidate Joe Biden
Joe BidenBiden Vows To Fight Foreign Interference Efforts If Elected On The Money: Congress Will Face Coronavirus Relief Legislation | Unemployment Claims Raise Bets in Aid Battle COVID-19 | S&P 500 erases 2020 losses Biden pledges to repeal Trump travel ban initially in most Muslim countries MORE, which leads the oscillating national and state surveys.
The president tried to highlight the data that portrayed a positive image during Tuesday’s 30-minute appearance, citing the low case fatality rate in the US and the overall decline in deaths from the disease since mid-April. He also said that the length of hospitalizations has decreased.
“These trends could change without our continued and unrelenting focus,” said Trump.
He also described encouraging progress in vaccine research after two potential vaccines showed promising results in the first trials. Trump promised to distribute a viable vaccine in record time, alleging that his administration’s actions have saved him years of waiting.
“Ultimately, our goal is not simply to manage the pandemic but to end it,” Trump said. “That is why vaccinating remains a priority.”
The president has been widely scrutinized for his comments that minimize the threat of the coronavirus, and his administration has been criticized for its lack of a national strategy and for imposing the burden on states to handle tests and other challenges.
Trump also resisted wearing a covered face in public or expressing strong support for the masks until recently, when he wore a mask in public for the first time during an appearance before Walter Reed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since April has recommended the use of face covers as an effective way to prevent people from spreading the virus.
When asked Tuesday whether he wanted voters to judge him for his response to the coronavirus, Trump said he would be tried for that “among other things,” including the strength of the pre-pandemic economy.
Trump also said he believed both he and state governors were responsible for the outcome of the pandemic before adding that the virus reached the US from China.
“I could say that I am completely responsible, but one day we had a virus,” Trump said before promoting his decision to restrict travel to the country.
The White House is expected to retrieve regular briefings related to the coronavirus after ruling them out in late April after Trump made controversial comments suggesting that the disinfectant could be used to treat patients with COVID-19.
Trump was not accompanied by public health officials during his briefing on Tuesday, and it is unclear whether officials like Anthony Fauci
Anthony FauciFauci will launch the first pitch for the opening game of the Washington Nationals. The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Former HHS Secretary Sebelius Gives the Trump Administration a D in Managing the Pandemic; Oxford and AstraZeneca report positive dual immunity results from early vaccine trials Coronavirus Report: Steve Clemons of The Hill interviews Kathleen Sebelius MORE and Deborah Birx would join him at future briefings. Fauci, the leading U.S. infectious disease expert who has faced rejection from some at the White House, told CNN an hour before the briefing began that he was not invited to participate.
Trump indicated before leaving the podium that future briefings would address other issues, including the economy.
“We will do this fairly often,” said the president.
Updated at 7:16 pm
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