This week, as cities and states started locking down, inventory markets tumbled and jobless claims hit report ranges, Mr. Trump once more performed
This week, as cities and states started locking down, inventory markets tumbled and jobless claims hit report ranges, Mr. Trump once more performed down the influence of the pandemic and mentioned, with no proof and opposite to out there analysis, {that a} recession can be deadlier than the coronavirus.
Overstating potential remedies and insurance policies
The president has additionally allotted a gentle stream of optimism when discussing countermeasures in opposition to the virus.
From later February to early March, Mr. Trump repeatedly promised {that a} vaccine can be out there “comparatively quickly” regardless of being instructed by public well being officers and pharmaceutical executives that the method would take 12 to 18 months. Later, he promoted remedies that have been nonetheless unproven in opposition to the virus, and recommended that they have been “authorized” and out there although they weren’t.
Outdoors of medical interventions, Mr. Trump has exaggerated his personal insurance policies and the contributions of the non-public sector in combating the outbreak. For instance, he imprecisely described a web site developed by an organization affiliated with Google, wrongly mentioned that insurers have been protecting the price of remedy for Covid-19 after they solely agreed to waive co-payments for testing, and prematurely declared that automakers have been making ventilators “proper now.”
Typically, he has touted his full “shut down” or “closing” of america to guests from affected international locations (in some circumstances resulting in confusion and chaos). However the restrictions he has imposed on journey from China, Iran and 26 international locations in Europe don’t quantity to a ban or closure of the borders. These restrictions don’t apply to Americans, everlasting residents, their instant households, or flight crews.
Not solely have been these restrictions whole and absolute in Mr. Trump’s telling, they have been additionally imposed on China “in opposition to the recommendation of a number of professionals, and we turned out to be proper.” His well being and human providers secretary, nonetheless, has beforehand mentioned that the restrictions have been imposed on the suggestions of profession well being officers. The Occasions has additionally reported that Mr. Trump was skeptical earlier than deciding to again the restrictions on the urging of some aides.
Blaming others
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention despatched take a look at kits to states in February, a few of which have been flawed and produced inconclusive readings. Issues continued to develop as scientists and state officers warned about restrictions on who may very well be examined and the supply of assessments total. Dealing with criticism over testing and medical provides, Mr. Trump as an alternative shifted duty to a wide range of others.