inquisitr--2020-03-30--Donald Trump Says Something ‘Maybe Worse Than Hoarding’ Going On To Cause Need For Surgical Masks In

Donald Trump Says Something ‘Maybe Worse Than Hoarding’ Going On To Cause Need For Surgical Masks In New York

At his White House coronavirus press briefing on Sunday , Trump appeared to suggest that some kind of conspiracy is causing a shortage of protective masks in New York .
At a White House coronavirus pandemic press briefing on Sunday , Donald Trump noted that while a typical New York hospital may use about 20,000 surgical masks per week , they now say they need 300,000 such masks on a weekly basis .
Trump then suggested that the increased need was the result of some kind of suspicious activity taking place in New York hospitals with regard to the masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for health care workers treating coronavirus patients .
“ Where are the masks going ?
Are they going out the back door ?
” Trump wondered aloud , telling reporters assembled on the White House lawn that they should look into the increased demand for the masks .
When a reporter asked Trump if he was suggesting that something inappropriate was being done with the additional masks , Trump replied , “ there ’ s something going on , ” as quoted by Mediaite .
“ I think it ’ s maybe worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before appearing to backtrack somewhat by saying that he did not know what was going on with the masks , and that the answer was “ for other people to figure out.
” Experts say that there is no mystery behind the sharp increase in demand for protective masks .
Due to the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus , which is transmitted largely through droplets expelled through the mouth of a virus-carrier , health care workers must wear a mask at all times , and change masks after treating each individual patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of the patients , according to Mediaite .
The shortages of masks in New York are not unusual during the coronavirus crisis .
As The Washington Post reported , cities and hospitals in locations across the U.S. have been experiencing similar shortages as the pandemic rolls on .
A survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed that shortages of surgical masks and other essential medical and protective equipment “ has reached crisis proportions , ” and that there was “ little variation between large and small cities , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting severe shortages .
Though the U.S. is now suffering from the shortages of masks and other supplies , in February , as the coronavirus outbreak was killing hundreds in China , the Trump administration shipped 17.8 tons of medical supplies and protective gear to that country .
In the Sunday press briefing , Trump also , for the first time , publicly backed off from his declaration earlier in the week that the U.S. was “ near the end ” of the battle against coronavirus , and that many social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , April 12 .
At the briefing , Trump announced that the federal government social distancing guidelines , set to expire on Monday , would be extended until April 30 .
“ Nothing would be worse than declaring victory before the victory is won , ” Trump said , as quoted by USA Today .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Donald Trump Slammed After Snapping At Black Reporter Yamiche Alcindor, Asking ‘You People’ To Be Po

Donald Trump Slammed After Snapping At Black Reporter Yamiche Alcindor, Asking ‘You People’ To Be Positive

Critics say Trump 's answer and wording had racial undertones and comes amid a history of sharp attacks on black women reporters .
Donald Trump is coming under fire after snapping at black White House reporter Yamiche Alcindor in a press event on Sunday , with critics seeing racial undertones in the president ’ s admonishment for “ you people ” to be more positive when addressing him .
The spat happened during Trump ’ s daily press event , when the PBS News reporter asked the president about statements he made over the course of the previous few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ventilators they had requested .
Though Trump had repeatedly made the claim , including during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity , he denied to Alcindor that he had said it and admonished the reporter for her tone .
Trump personally insulted Alcindor , insinuating that she had been demoted to a lesser news outlet after having worked for the New York Times , and called on her to be more positive when addressing him .
“ Why don ’ t you people act… why don ’ t you act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said .
The incident drew immediate viral interest , with many sharing video of the exchange on Twitter .
Alcindor ’ s name also shot to the top of trending topics on Sunday evening .
Many critics took issue with both the tone that Trump used and the term “ you people , ” which has historically had a negative racial connotation when addressing people of color .
Though Trump ’ s statement appeared to be aimed at members of the press he believed were not treating him fairly or taking an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have noted that the president has been known to be especially harsh with women reporters of color .
As Politico noted back in 2018 , many journalists and media groups have spoken out against the way Trump has treated black reporters compared to their white counterparts , with many noting he has been particularly harsh to Alcindor .
“ While the president insults many journalists , these critics say his barbs targeting women and people of color feel especially sharp , and hit at the reporter ’ s basic intelligence and competence as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s a tone that black reporters and scholars of African-American history say particularly stings , given that African-Americans journalists were not allowed into the White House until 1947 — and that the White House press corps remains overwhelmingly white to this day.
” Many critics immediately seized on Trump ’ s tone and wording in his attack on Alcindor .
After Alcindor ’ s question , Trump cut her off and did not allow a second question that she also tried to ask .
Afterward , Trump called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the microphone back to Alcindor so she could complete her question .

Donald Trump is coming under fire after snapping at black White House reporter Yamiche Alcindor in a press event on Sunday, with critics seeing racial undertones in the president’s admonishment for “you people” to be more positive when addressing him.
The spat happened during Trump’s daily press event, when the PBS News reporter asked the president about statements he made over the course of the previous few days questioning whether states really needed the number of ventilators they had requested. Though Trump had repeatedly made the claim, including during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, he denied to Alcindor that he had said it and admonished the reporter for her tone.
Trump personally insulted Alcindor, insinuating that she had been demoted to a lesser news outlet after having worked for the New York Times, and called on her to be more positive when addressing him.
“Why don’t you people act… why don’t you act in a little more positive,” Trump said.
The incident drew immediate viral interest, with many sharing video of the exchange on Twitter. Alcindor’s name also shot to the top of trending topics on Sunday evening.
Many critics took issue with both the tone that Trump used and the term “you people,” which has historically had a negative racial connotation when addressing people of color. Though Trump’s statement appeared to be aimed at members of the press he believed were not treating him fairly or taking an appropriate tone while addressing him, critics have noted that the president has been known to be especially harsh with women reporters of color.
As Politico noted back in 2018, many journalists and media groups have spoken out against the way Trump has treated black reporters compared to their white counterparts, with many noting he has been particularly harsh to Alcindor.
“While the president insults many journalists, these critics say his barbs targeting women and people of color feel especially sharp, and hit at the reporter’s basic intelligence and competence as a person,” the report noted. “It’s a tone that black reporters and scholars of African-American history say particularly stings, given that African-Americans journalists were not allowed into the White House until 1947 — and that the White House press corps remains overwhelmingly white to this day.”
Many critics immediately seized on Trump’s tone and wording in his attack on Alcindor.
One other point. Aside from the "you people," he also said Yamiche's question was "threatening." Again, for some of us melanin-enhanced out here, that has a coded sense toward it. — Robert A George (@RobGeorge) March 29, 2020
Trump just called Yamiche Alcindor “you people” y’all are getting close to hearing the N-word like we did on ‘Apprentice’ @realDonaldTrump — NoelCaslerComedy🌙 (@caslernoel) March 29, 2020
Oh my god, @realDonaldTrump just responded to a question from @Yamiche with “why don’t you people…” — Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) March 29, 2020
After Alcindor’s question, Trump cut her off and did not allow a second question that she also tried to ask. Afterward, Trump called on CNN reporter Jeremy Diamond, who handed the microphone back to Alcindor so she could complete her question.


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Steve Bannon Predicts Donald Trump Will Impose Tougher Restrictions To Contain Coronavirus

'If you have to go through hell , go through it as fast as possible , ' says Bannon .
In an interview with Fox News broadcast Saturday night , former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon predicted that President Donald Trump will impose tougher restrictions in order to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
Per The Washington Examiner , speaking with anchor Jesse Watters , Bannon explained that he believes there will be a “ big shift ” after Trump familiarizes himself with new data .
“ I think you go to a harder lockdown right now and then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Breitbart News said .
According to Bannon , Trump will realize that more restrictive measures need to be implemented as soon as possible in order to contain the virus and reopen the economy .
“ If you have to go through hell , go through it as fast as possible .
The president is a wartime president , ” he said .
Bannon then argued that Trump has “ made some tough calls already , ” pointing to the president ’ s decision to restrict traffic from China despite criticism from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Joe Biden .
Furthermore , according to Bannon , the growing number of coronavirus cases across the country — especially in cities such as New York — will compel Trump to adopt a more aggressive strategy .
“ I think President Trump is going to come to the conclusion : ‘ Hey I want to tighten this thing up some more so that we can get through this quicker and faster and have a steeper revival.
’ And I believe that is what is going to happen.
” But , as The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moving in the opposite direction .
The president has suggested that he is open to loosening restrictions despite warnings from public health experts and state officials .
On Saturday , he ordered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a “ strong ” travel advisory in New York , after initially promising a full lockdown .
Trump has repeatedly suggested that the economy needs to be reopened by Easter in order to avert a collapse .
But not everyone is on board with the idea .
Governors have been pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claiming that such a move would only make the pandemic worse .
Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker , a Republican , argued against the idea earlier this week , claiming that public health experts in his state have rejected it .
According to some , both Trump and his allies know that loosening the restrictions too soon could jeopardize millions , but are willing to do so in order to save the sinking economy .
In a scathing monologue on Saturday , CNN anchor Chris Cuomo went a step further , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the elderly “ dying off ” as long as the economy remains in good shape .

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inquisitr--2020-03-29--Donald Trump Has Become A ‘Pro-Death President’ Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Ex-Evangelist Says

During an appearance on MSNBC ’ s AM Joy on Sunday , former evangelist Frank Schaeffer slammed Donald Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , Raw Story reported .
“ We ’ re at a time now when the naked lickspittle enablement of Donald Trump by his evangelical followers is more horrifying than ever , ” Schaeffer began .
The 67-year-old Addicted to Mediocrity author said that the COVID-19 pandemic — a “ literal life and death issue , ” he noted — has made two things very clear .
“ One is the utter moral bankruptcy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to save their people , and the second is the utter moral bankruptcy of evangelical , the white evangelical voter , having been rented out to this moronic monster who in this time of crisis , is far from being our Winston Churchill leading us to freedom against the Nazis in Germany.
” Schaeffer later took aim at Evangelical Christians , who he suggested are turning a blind eye to Trump ’ s poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
According to Schaeffer , Trump has become a “ pro-death president ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy to fuel his re-election bid than saving the lives of Americans .
In addition to his alleged focus on the economy , others have accused Trump of fueling danger by promoting the malaria drug chloroquine , which has been successful in helping some overcome COVID-19 but nevertheless lacks a breadth of clinical trial data supporting its effectiveness .
As reported by The New Yorker , Trump ’ s messaging on the drug has been called “ dangerous ” by some doctors , who urge the president to let the medical community speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the coronavirus pandemic , Schaeffer has been vocal about his opposition to Trump .
As reported by Newsweek , he used one of his previous videos to attack Trump as a “ lifelong conman ” who sparked white nationalism to get elected by conservative Americans who feel that the left has left them behind , creating feelings of rejection and disrespect — something Schaeffer claims the political left is guilty of doing .
Speaking to the political left , Schaeffer accused the demographic of pushing conservatives into an “ acid bath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on AM Joy come on the same day that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attacked Trump ’ s purportedly poor handling of the crisis and said it had cost American lives .
Although various Democrats have pushed this narrative , it has received pushback from some Republicans .
Notably , South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham slammed Pelosi ’ s claim on Sunday and suggested she was hypocritical for herself delaying the coronavirus aid bill for a list of Democratic demands as Americans waited for aid .

During an appearance on MSNBC’s AM Joy on Sunday, former evangelist Frank Schaeffer slammed Donald Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Raw Story reported.
“We’re at a time now when the naked lickspittle enablement of Donald Trump by his evangelical followers is more horrifying than ever,” Schaeffer began.
The 67-year-old Addicted to Mediocrity author said that the COVID-19 pandemic — a “literal life and death issue,” he noted — has made two things very clear.
“One is the utter moral bankruptcy of this leader who pits himself against governors trying to save their people, and the second is the utter moral bankruptcy of evangelical, the white evangelical voter, having been rented out to this moronic monster who in this time of crisis, is far from being our Winston Churchill leading us to freedom against the Nazis in Germany.”
Schaeffer later took aim at Evangelical Christians, who he suggested are turning a blind eye to Trump’s poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Schaeffer, Trump has become a “pro-death president” who is more invested in boosting the economy to fuel his re-election bid than saving the lives of Americans.
.@FRANK_SCHAEFFER: What we’re now watching as an appendage of the #Trump presidency is one of the greatest downfalls of a religious order we’ve ever known… The evangelicals have actually become the instigators of evil themselves… #AMJoy pic.twitter.com/mSy283QD34 — Formerly 'AM JOY' on @MSNBC (@amjoyshow) January 28, 2018
In addition to his alleged focus on the economy, others have accused Trump of fueling danger by promoting the malaria drug chloroquine, which has been successful in helping some overcome COVID-19 but nevertheless lacks a breadth of clinical trial data supporting its effectiveness. As reported by The New Yorker, Trump’s messaging on the drug has been called “dangerous” by some doctors, who urge the president to let the medical community speak on its effectiveness for battling coronavirus.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Schaeffer has been vocal about his opposition to Trump. As reported by Newsweek, he used one of his previous videos to attack Trump as a “lifelong conman” who sparked white nationalism to get elected by conservative Americans who feel that the left has left them behind, creating feelings of rejection and disrespect — something Schaeffer claims the political left is guilty of doing.
Speaking to the political left, Schaeffer accused the demographic of pushing conservatives into an “acid bath of social change.”
Schaeffer’s comments on AM Joy come on the same day that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attacked Trump’s purportedly poor handling of the crisis and said it had cost American lives. Although various Democrats have pushed this narrative, it has received pushback from some Republicans. Notably, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham slammed Pelosi’s claim on Sunday and suggested she was hypocritical for herself delaying the coronavirus aid bill for a list of Democratic demands as Americans waited for aid.


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Donald Trump Reportedly Wants Americans To See His Signature On Coronavirus Checks, Against Normal P

Donald Trump Reportedly Wants Americans To See His Signature On Coronavirus Checks, Against Normal Protocol

When Americans receive their stimulus checks from the coronavirus relief package , they may see something unusual on the front of it — Donald Trump ’ s signature .
A report from the Wall Street Journal claimed that Trump wants to break the normal protocol of having the payment center ’ s disbursing officer sign checks with his own name replacing it .
The report noted that Trump “ has told people he wants his signature to appear on the direct payment checks that will go out to many Americans in the coming weeks.
” The relief bill that passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans in Congress includes $ 1,200 stimulus checks for adults who make less than $ 75,000 and $ 500 for qualifying children under the age of 16 .
Trump had publicly expressed support for including direct payments to Americans in the bill , though the number was in flux throughout the negotiations .
Some had predicted that Trump would want to put his literal signature on the check that was a major part of the legislation .
CNN host Michael Smerconish had said in the days before the bill passed that Trump would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political impact it could have , terming it a matter of self-promotion to make Americans believe that he was responsible for the money sent to them .
The Trump administration had already come under fire for a nationwide coronavirus mailing that prominently displayed the president ’ s name .
As USA Today noted , the mailing promoted social distancing guidelines recommended by experts as needed to slow the spread of the virus — even though Trump himself initially pushed back against the severity of the outbreak and later said that he wanted America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended .
Critics said the inclusion of Trump ’ s name where it was not necessary or helpful to the mailer added an unnecessary political aspect to it .
“ Trump is using the CDC and the post office … to promote his own interests , ” Michael Carome , director of the health research group at the left-leaning Public Citizen , told the USA Today .
“ He ’ s using the levers of government , the agencies at his disposal , to promote him.
” Even the tone of Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s response to the coronavirus has been criticized for being unnecessarily flattering to the president .
The briefings include updates from top medical experts but have also included members of the president ’ s administration who took the opportunity to publicly praise his response to the pandemic .

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inquisitr--2020-03-29--President Trump Touts The Ratings Of His Daily Press Briefings, Compares Them To ‘The Bachelor’

Donald Trump touted the ratings his daily press briefings during the coronavirus pandemic are getting , comparing them to the final season of The Bachelor , in a tweet Sunday afternoon .
“ President Trump is a ratings hit .
Since reviving the daily White House briefing Mr. Trump and his coronavirus updates have attracted an average audience of 8.5 million on cable news , roughly the viewership of the season finale of ‘ The Bachelor.
’ Numbers are continuing to rise… ” he tweeted .
It was the first in a series of tweets in which he quoted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 25 that explored the phenomenon of the high ratings for his daily press briefings and asked whether or not networks should air them , as the Times alleges that such briefings can involve inaccurate information being disseminated .
The Times noted , as Trump did in a later tweet , that his daily press briefings have averaged an audience of around 8.5 million people .
That ’ s roughly on par with what ABC brought in with its final season of The Bachelor .
One press briefing brought in 12.2 viewers across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s roughly on par with what Monday Night Football usually brings in .
And as the Times points out , those TV viewership numbers don ’ t account for the millions who watch the briefings online .
However , Times writer Michael M. Grynbaum suggested that networks may want to consider not showing the daily press briefings , as “ Mr .
Trump has repeatedly delivered information that doctors and public health officials have called ill informed , misleading or downright wrong , ” he writes .
In fact , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily press briefings during the coronavirus that Grynbaum alleges have caused consternation for some broadcasters .
He suggests that in showing Trump ’ s briefings , the networks must then devote time to fact-check , correct , and provide context for some of his statements .
In fact , at least two networks , CNN and MSNBC , have cut away from the final portions of some of Trump ’ s press briefings , for different reasons .
In response to criticism from the administration for cutting away , a CNN spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own editorial decisions , while MSNBC said that the “ information no longer appeared to be valuable to the important ongoing discussion around public health.
” Trump , for his part , took notice of the fact that Grynbaum suggested that networks stop airing his briefings .
Back on Twitter , Trump is getting criticism for focusing on his television ratings during a worldwide pandemic .
For example , Fox News correspondent Brit Hume appeared to have been taken aback by the series of tweets .
One Twitter user pointed out the juxtaposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite news source questioning one of Trump ’ s tweets .
However , another Twitter user suggested that Hume had failed to grasp the fact that Trump isn ’ t getting the credit he ( the user ) thinks Trump deserves .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Lindsey Graham Slams Nancy Pelosi’s ‘Disgusting’ Attack On Donald Trump’s Handling Of Coronavirus

Speaking to Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures , South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham lashed out at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on Sunday morning that she believes Donald Trump ‘ s coronavirus response is responsible for American deaths .
“ She ’ s blaming the president of the United States for people dying , ” he said , per Raw Story .
According to The Hill , Pelosi ’ s comment was a response to the Trump administration ’ s consideration of relaxing social distancing against the recommendations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president fiddles , people are dying , ” she said .
Although Trump ’ s early inaction on COVID-19 has been the focus of scrutiny , Graham told Bartiromo that America ’ s best as been on display as the pandemic continues to spread across the world and through the United States , which is reportedly now the coronavirus epicenter of the world .
“ She ’ s the first politician to blame another politician for people dying , ” Graham complained .
Graham is referring to criticism of Pelosi ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief package in an attempt to pack it full of what critics called a partisan wish list .
Multiple Republicans also accused Pelosi of demanding $ 25 million for salaries and expenses for the Democrat-led House , although it does not appear to have made the final bill .
In response to Graham ’ s criticism of Pelosi ’ s House leadership , Bartiromo reminded the 64-year-old politician that he voted in support of the bill , which ultimately passed .
“ Yeah , [ Pelosi ] put a gun to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that he and his Republican allies successfully removed much of Pelosi ’ s wish list .
He then doubled down on his attack on her recent criticism of Trump , calling her comments “ pretty disgusting ” and again pointing to her determination to hold up the bill amid the pandemic .
As reported by Vanity Fair , Graham is one of many Republicans who has been vocal about their criticism of the massive coronavirus bill .
Before the package was pushed through , Graham suggested that the proposal was too generous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would gain more money from not working than from working .
The pushback by Graham and his GOP allies was blasted by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , who ultimately helped push the bill through with the unemployment benefits intact .

Speaking to Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham lashed out at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday morning that she believes Donald Trump‘s coronavirus response is responsible for American deaths.
“She’s blaming the president of the United States for people dying,” he said, per Raw Story.
“That’s the most shameful, disgusting statement by any politician in modern history.”
According to The Hill, Pelosi’s comment was a response to the Trump administration’s consideration of relaxing social distancing against the recommendations of public health officials.
“As the president fiddles, people are dying,” she said.
Although Trump’s early inaction on COVID-19 has been the focus of scrutiny, Graham told Bartiromo that America’s best as been on display as the pandemic continues to spread across the world and through the United States, which is reportedly now the coronavirus epicenter of the world.
“She’s the first politician to blame another politician for people dying,” Graham complained.
“This is the same Speaker of the House who held up the bill in the Senate for days because she wanted same day voting, she wanted carbon neutrality for the airlines, she wanted $75 million of the Endowment for the Humanities and she wanted $25 million for the Kennedy Center.”
Graham is referring to criticism of Pelosi’s decision to hold up the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package in an attempt to pack it full of what critics called a partisan wish list. Multiple Republicans also accused Pelosi of demanding $25 million for salaries and expenses for the Democrat-led House, although it does not appear to have made the final bill.
In response to Graham’s criticism of Pelosi’s House leadership, Bartiromo reminded the 64-year-old politician that he voted in support of the bill, which ultimately passed.
“Yeah, [Pelosi] put a gun to our head!” he said.
Graham noted that he and his Republican allies successfully removed much of Pelosi’s wish list. He then doubled down on his attack on her recent criticism of Trump, calling her comments “pretty disgusting” and again pointing to her determination to hold up the bill amid the pandemic.
As reported by Vanity Fair, Graham is one of many Republicans who has been vocal about their criticism of the massive coronavirus bill. Before the package was pushed through, Graham suggested that the proposal was too generous to unemployed people and claimed that they would gain more money from not working than from working. The pushback by Graham and his GOP allies was blasted by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who ultimately helped push the bill through with the unemployment benefits intact.


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Republican Senator Says $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill Is Filled With ‘Spending Porn’ On Pet

Republican Senator Says $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill Is Filled With ‘Spending Porn’ On Pet Projects

A Republican senator criticized parts of the $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill as “ spending porn , ” saying that members of Congress added many spending perks to the measure meant to help Americans and businesses impacted by the pandemic .
John Kennedy , a Republican from Louisiana , appeared on Fox News on Sunday morning and shared his criticism of the massive Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act .
Though Kennedy had been in support of the bill , he blasted what he saw as excessive spending added in during the process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s harder when you ’ re stupid , ” Kennedy said via a clip his office shared on YouTube .
“ There ’ s an enormous amount of spending porn on pet projects that was put into this bill by some powerful members of Congress .
They think the American people I guess are morons and won ’ t notice , but they did .
It ’ s why so many Americans think there is no intelligent life in Washington , D.C. ” Kennedy went on to say that some members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical supplies and economic relief in order to squeeze out funding for pet projects .
Kennedy had praised the bill after it passed on Thursday , saying that the money was needed to help people whose lives ground to a halt with the spread of the coronavirus .
Kennedy added that the importance of the bill outweighed any concerns he had about the spending in it .
“ The CARES Act is the best path open to preserving and reviving our economy as we battle the coronavirus in Louisiana communities and around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far from perfect , but it gives families , workers and employers the resources they need to be resilient , ” his office said in a statement via KATC .
Kennedy added that the virus threatens lives as does the poverty it can create , and supported the bill over his objections to what he saw as the unnecessary spending added in .
During his appearance on Fox News , Kennedy noted that the state of Louisiana has been hard hit by COVID-19 .
Kennedy is not the only Republican to express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending in the bill .
This week , South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham also spoke out against the spending , saying he would still vote for it despite opposition to funding things like PBS and the Kennedy Center , a performing house in Washington , D.C.. As Mediaite noted , Graham also complained that he believed people would be able to collect more money by being unemployed , though ultimately voted for the bill .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Joe Biden Says Donald Trump Needs To ‘Start Listening To Scientists Before He Speaks’

Former Vice President Joe Biden appeared on NBC ’ s Meet the Press on Sunday and spoke about Donald Trump ‘ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
At one point , host Chuck Todd asked Biden if he believes the president has blood on his hands for his administration ’ s slow response to COVID-19 , or if such criticism is “ too harsh.
” “ I think that ’ s a little too harsh , ” Biden said , per Breitbart .
The Democratic frontrunner then touched on Trump ’ s purported thought process and how he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden then pointed to the congressional legislation that he claims would help the “ incredible financial crunch ” he believes will hit families and the economy .
Although Biden expressed his belief that coronavirus is not Trump ’ s fault , he pointed to the president ’ s “ slow response ” as something he believes can not continue if the country is to stay ahead of the pandemic .
“ We are going to go through another phase of this , ” Biden said .
“ We have to be ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were last time.
” The interview comes just days after Biden ’ s campaign launched a vicious attack add on Trump ’ s handling of coronavirus .
As reported by Business Insider , the ad juxtaposes Trump ’ s public comments on COVID-19 with the rapid increase in the number of cases in the United States .
Biden has also begun holding virtual speeches from his home , where he attempts to project himself as a more fit leader than Trump in the midst of the pandemic .
However , some Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into obscurity during the crisis , as some polls suggest that Trump ’ s leadership is well-received by the American public .
Not all polls are favorable for Trump .
According to The Guardian , a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows Trump and Biden in a “ near tie.
” Specifically , Biden is leading with 49 percent support among registered voters surveyed , and Trump is close behind with 47 percent support .
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis , The Guardian reported that voters surveyed reportedly favored Biden on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As previously reported by The Inquisitr , Trump ’ s approval rating on coronavirus dipped 13 points in less than one week in a daily tracking poll from Navigator Research .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Donald Trump Ignored Advice To Warn Public That Coronavirus Could Get Worse, Report Says

A new POLITICO report , which is based on more than half a dozen interviews from both White House staffers and outside advisers , as well as the publication ’ s previous reporting , explores the last two weeks inside Donald Trump ‘ s residence and his administration ’ s response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic .
According to the piece , Trump was advised to warn the public that things were about the get worse due to the COVID-19 crisis but chose to ignore the warning .
“ If tonight isn ’ t Trump saying , ‘ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you need to take every precaution necessary , ’ then he can kiss a second term goodbye , ” an administration official reportedly said before Trump ’ s second Over Office address following the World Health Organization ( WHO ) announcement that coronavirus was a pandemic .
Despite the advice , Trump decided on a different approach for his address .
“ Instead , the president , in hastily arranged remarks , said he was barring all travel from Europe and promised that health insurers had agreed to cover all coronavirus treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to one White House official , the two weeks that followed was when everything changed in the White House and America , as celebrities like Tom Hanks tested positive for the virus , the NBA suspended its season , and America ’ s economy came to a standstill .
It was also during this period that the Trump administration shifted its tone on coronavirus and began pushing the narrative of a country at war with an invisible enemy .
Trump has been accused of failing to heed critical pandemic warnings before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ s administration provided Trump ’ s team with a briefing before he took office , pointing to a possible influenza pandemic that could be the worst one since 1918 .
Although the scenario didn ’ t come to fruition , documents obtained by POLITICO claimed that the Trump team was briefed on specific challenges , including a shortage of medical essentials , such as ventilators , and the importance of a “ coordinated , unified national response.
” As The Inquisitr previously reported , Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Laurie Garrett noted Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s pandemic response infrastructure and suggested it was done out of spite .
According to Garrett , this network was built on the foundation of Obama ’ s experience dealing with Ebola in 2014 .
Without this network , the administration was reportedly forced to throw together its own approach as the crisis quickly grew .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Anthony Fauci Insists ‘Appreciative’ Governors Aren’t Necessary For States To Get Coronavirus Aid

Dr. Anthony Fauci says that people will receive federal aid regardless of what state they live in , addressing President Donald Trump ’ s comments that he instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to reach out to governors who didn ’ t show enough appreciation for him .
As Mediaite reports , Fauci , a respected immunologist and a part of Trump ’ s coronavirus task force , confirmed that federal aid won ’ t be reliant on whether or not governors show the right level of gratitude .
While speaking with CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on State of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s statement , saying that the reality of the situation was different than what Trump may have said .
“ I think the reality , not the rhetoric , but the reality is that the people who need things will get what they need , ” Fauci said .
“ There ’ s a reality and a rhetoric .
I think that — I mean , I know the spirit of the task force and when we talk about when people need things , doesn ’ t matter who they are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need.
” As The Inquisitr previously reported , Trump told reporters that some governors hadn ’ t shown enough appreciation for his efforts , including Michigan leader Gretchen Whitmer and Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state .
He said that if they didn ’ t treat him right , Pence shouldn ’ t call them .
He added that any state governor who criticizes his efforts is not only disrespecting the White House , but also not showing enough appreciation for the U.S. military and FEMA either , though he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both Michigan and Washington have seen a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases .
The doctor also addressed Trump ’ s comments that he didn ’ t believe New York needs 30,000 ventilators , which New York Governor Andrew Cuomo requested to address the crisis in New York – the site of the worst outbreak in the country .
Fauci said that he believed Cuomo needs the ventilators that he has requested .
“ One way or the other , he needs the ventilators that he needs , and hopefully we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs , ” he said .
“ They may be closer to him than is realized , ” he added .
The U.S. saw a dramatic increase in the number of cases and deaths in the country .
On Sunday , it was revealed that there have been over 2,000 deaths due to the novel coronavirus so far , a doubling from 1,000 deaths in just two days .
There are now over 121,000 confirmed cases of the disease in the U.S .


inquisitr--2020-03-29--Nancy Pelosi Slams Donald Trump’s Coronavirus Response: ‘As The President Fiddles, People Are Dying’

As the U.S. death toll from the novel coronavirus doubled to over 2,000 in just two days , Nancy Pelosi took Donald Trump to task for what she says is his failure to appropriately address the crisis .
“ As the president fiddles , people are dying , ” she told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on Sunday morning .
As The Guardian reports , Pelosi appeared on State of the Union and slammed Trump for his response to the pandemic facing the nation .
She also suggested that an investigation be opened into his response .
“ The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly , ” she said .
“ His delay in getting equipment to where it ’ s needed is deadly.
” On Sunday , the number of deaths due to COVID-19 rose to over 2,000 , with 125,000 confirmed cases of the disease .
Tapper asked Pelosi about the dramatic increase , questioning whether she believes that Trump ’ s decision to downplay the severity of the pandemic may have “ cost American lives.
” The House leader replied that she did believe that was the case .
She added that after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see an investigation into the Trump administration ’ s handling of the outbreak .
“ What did he know ?
” she asked .
“ When did he know it ?
” In early days , Trump repeatedly said that the virus would likely disappear with warm weather and urged people not to worry too much about the impact of the disease , claiming that it was well under control in the United States .
More recently , he has received criticism for delaying the decision to enact the Defense Production Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment that many health care providers are currently lacking .
The administration has also taken heat for the delay in getting test kits to health providers across the U.S. “ We still don ’ t have adequate testing , ” Pelosi said .
“ And we still don ’ t have protective equipment for our health workers who are risking their own lives to save lives.
” Trump personally has been criticized for allegedly saying that he didn ’ t want coronavirus task force leader Mike Pence to reach out to states led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ appreciation ” for his efforts to address the pandemic , as The Inquisitr previously reported .
Despite the crisis facing the country , Pelosi and Trump have reportedly not collaborated since the impeachment inquiry was launched by the House against the president earlier this year .
On Saturday , the Centers for Disease Control issued a travel advisory , urging Americans to limit any unnecessary travel between New York , New Jersey , and Connecticut and the rest of the country .


inquisitr--2020-03-30--Donald Trump Says Extending Social Distancing Policy Through April Could Save Over ‘1 Million Americ

Donald Trump Says Extending Social Distancing Policy Through April Could Save Over ‘1 Million American Lives’

At today ’ s briefing , President Donald Trump announced that extending his administration ’ s social distancing policy through April will save a significant number of American lives .
Initially , the social distancing guidelines from the White House was set for 15 days to stop the spread , but yesterday , the president revealed that his new recommendation extends it through April 30 .
The announcement is a change from his previous hope that the U.S. could be partially reopened by Easter Sunday .
“ Yesterday , I announced that we would be extending our social distance guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is based on modeling that shows the peak in fatalities will not arrive for another two weeks .
The same modeling also shows that by very vigorously following these guidelines , we could save more than 1 million American lives , ” the president said at the beginning of his remarks this afternoon .
From the Rose Garden at the White House , President Trump said that America ’ s future is in its own hands , and he noted that the choices people make right now will determine the fate of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s victory over the coronavirus pandemic .
He reminded Americans that everybody , including individuals , businesses , and the government , has a role to play in helping stop the virus .
According to the president , the United States is putting everything on the line during the coming month to help stop the spread of COVID-19 .
After that , Trump noted that the more dedicated everybody is right now , the sooner life can return to normal .
He reassured citizens that people would return to great lives after roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. will undergo by the end of the coming 30 days .
As of Monday , President Trump announced that the U.S. had tested more than 1 million people for the novel coronavirus , an effort which he called unprecedented .
No other country in the world has reached that number in testing for the virus .
Today , the CDC reported that the total number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. exceeds 140,900 , and so far , 2,405 have died as a result of the infection .
The State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with nearly 60,000 total cases confirmed .
California and Michigan also have more than 5,000 COVID-19 patients confirmed through testing .
The Inquisitr previously reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci , who is on Trump ’ s coronavirus task force , said that the president listened to experts about the need for extending the social distancing guidelines .


inquisitr--2020-03-30--Andrew Cuomo Puts Out Call For Healthcare Workers From Other States To Come To New York

Andrew Cuomo is following the lead of Donald Trump when it comes to using Twitter .
To some degree .
The New York governor has been using the social media platform to get his message directly to the people .
On Monday , he used Twitter to put out a call asking healthcare workers from other states to come to New York .
His post included a message that if things aren ’ t bad wherever these healthcare workers are from , they are needed in New York City .
He added that if they do come and help , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road .
Cuomo also put up a link to a website where healthcare workers could sign up and see where they are needed .
The tweet is just the latest in what has been an evolving attempt to battle the coronavirus outbreak by the governor .
As he had attempted to “ flatten the curve ” in his state and in the Big Apple , he ’ s been getting quite a bit of praise for his handling .
Even one political rival in Donald Trump had to admit Cuomo was handling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Inquisitr reported earlier , Trump has recently said he thinks Cuomo would make a better Democratic Presidential contender .
For the most part , Cuomo ’ s call to action was met with support from his followers on social media .
One user , in particular , made it clear on Twitter he thought this kind of thing was what real leadership looked like .
Earlier in the day , Cuomo talked quite a bit about how important it was going to be for hospitals to get the kind of cooperation they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments .
He also hailed the arrival of the USNS Comfort .
This ship is reportedly going to be able to act as a mobile hospital and will be able to take some of the pressure off the healthcare workers located inside New York City .
One thing that was missing from any of Cuomo ’ s posts on Monday morning and early afternoon were attacks or even arguments against Donald Trump .
The two have sparred repeatedly since the coronavirus outbreak exploded .
For now , at least , Cuomo is focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the areas of the state that need it most and staying out of partisan bickering .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Democrat Calls Donald Trump ‘Incompetent Idiot’ For Sending Medical Supplies To China While Downplay

Democrat Calls Donald Trump ‘Incompetent Idiot’ For Sending Medical Supplies To China While Downplaying Virus

Democrat Maxine Waters is taking aim at Donald Trump , calling the president an “ incompetent idiot ” after a report that he sent 18 tons of critical medical supplies to China at the same time that he was downplaying fears of the coronavirus at home .
The California congresswoman was reacting to a report that the Trump administration shared a trove of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) with China as the country was becoming overwhelmed with the coronavirus outbreak and before it had spread across the United States .
As CNN noted , hospitals across the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but having difficulty getting it .
But while the Trump administration was shipping close to 35,000 pounds of “ masks , gowns , gauze , respirators , and other vital materials ” to China back on February 7 , Trump was making public statements downplaying fears of the virus spreading to the United States as it had in China .
The day following the announcement of the shipment of PPE to China , Trump was asked if there were worries of the outbreak becoming a pandemic and denied it .
“ No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who weeks later would say that he always knew the coronavirus outbreak was a pandemic .
The report revisiting the Trump administration ’ s decision to send PPE to China was blasted by Waters , who took to Twitter to launch a sharply worded attack .
Waters have been one of the most vocal critics of Trump , at times clashing with the president .
Back in 2018 , after a series of incidents in which members of the Trump administration were jeered in public , Waters encouraged people at a Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel uncomfortable if they encountered them in public .
As Time noted , Trump shot back by claiming that she “ called for harm ” to his supporters and warned , “ be careful what you wish for Max !
” Waters later had to cancel planned appearances at political rallies after her campaign said she received credible death threats .
Trump continued to attack Waters on Twitter after the canceled events , the report noted .


inquisitr--2020-03-30--Andrew Cuomo Puts Out Call For Health Care Workers From Other States To Come To New York

Andrew Cuomo is following the lead of Donald Trump when it comes to using Twitter , albeit only to some degree .
The New York governor has been using the social media platform to get his message directly to the people .
On Monday , he used Twitter to put out a call asking health care workers from other states to come to New York .
His post included a message that if things aren ’ t bad wherever these health care workers are from , they are needed in New York City .
He added that if they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be repaid down the road .
Cuomo also put up a link to a website where health care workers could sign up and see where they are needed .
The tweet is just the latest in the governor ’ s evolving attempt to battle the coronavirus outbreak .
As he had attempted to “ flatten the curve ” in his state and in New York City , he ’ s been getting quite a bit of praise for his handling .
Even a political rival such as Trump had to admit Cuomo was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as The Inquisitr reported earlier , the president recently said he thinks the governor would make a better Democratic presidential contender than Joe Biden .
For the most part , Cuomo ’ s call to action was met with support from his followers on social media .
One user , in particular , made it clear on Twitter he thought this kind of thing was what real leadership looked like .
Earlier in the day , Cuomo talked quite a bit about how important it was going to be for hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t always seen from state governments .
He also hailed the arrival of the USNS Comfort .
This ship is reportedly going to be able to act as a mobile hospital and will be able to take some of the pressure off the health care workers located inside New York City .
One thing that was missing from any of Cuomo ’ s posts on Monday morning and early afternoon were attacks or even arguments against Trump .
The two have sparred repeatedly since the coronavirus outbreak exploded , but for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much help as possible into the areas of the state that need it the most .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Donald Trump ‘Has Blood On His Hands’ & Is ‘Unfit For A Pandemic,’ Major Newspaper’s Editorial Board

Donald Trump ‘Has Blood On His Hands’ & Is ‘Unfit For A Pandemic,’ Major Newspaper’s Editorial Board Says

In an editorial on Monday , 'The Boston Globe ' took a very critical stand on Trump 's coronavirus response .
Using unusually strong language , the Boston Globe editorial board on Monday condemned Donald Trump ’ s handling of the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic .
While other newspapers have published editorials critical of the president ’ s coronavirus approach , with The Washington Post even calling it “ reckless , ” The Boston Globe accused him of having “ blood on his hands.
” The 148-year-old daily newspaper declared Trump “ unfit ” to handle a crisis on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has so far killed nearly 3,800 Americans — about 800 more deaths than those caused by the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks .
The outbreak has also infected a confirmed total that now tops 185,000 in the U.S. , according to the population data site Worldometers .
Massachusetts is a state that has been hit especially hard by the coronavirus .
According to Worldometers , it now has the fifth-most confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the 56 states and territories with 6,620 , ranking just above Florida ( 6,338 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though the Bay State ’ s population is only about 7 million .
In addition , Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker , a Republican , has been sharply critical of the federal government ’ s handling of the crisis .
Saying that much of the “ suffering and death ” caused by coronavirus was “ preventable , ” the Boston Globe editorial board said that the “ profound impact ” of the virus in the U.S. was attributable not to a natural disaster or foreign invasion , but instead was the fault of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the outbreak began late last year in China , the coming crisis required a president “ to deliver clear , consistent , scientifically sound messages ” when offering guidance for their country , and to prioritize its well-being ahead of attempts to keep stock market prices high and efforts to bolster their “ own reelection prospects , ” the editorial said .
Instead , Trump continually claimed that the coronavirus outbreak would not seriously impact the U.S. , even claiming as late as February 26 that the number of cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero within “ a couple of days.
” And on March 10 , one day before the World Health Organization officially classified the outbreak as a “ pandemic , ” the president stated publicly that the virus would simply “ go away.
” Trump also reportedly ignored repeated warnings from the U.S. intelligence community that the pandemic in China would quickly hit the United States with devastating consequences — a mistake that the journal Foreign Policy called a “ failure ” worse than those leading to the September 11 , 2001 , attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a reckoning for the lives lost , ” the Boston Globe editorial board wrote .
The paper added that this also applies to the “ vast , avoidable suffering ” that will likely ensue under Trump ’ s watch .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Bernie Sanders Commits To Staying In Democratic Primary, Says He Sees ‘Narrow’ Path To Winning

Bernie Sanders has committed to staying in the Democratic primary after a string of major losses left him facing a nearly insurmountable deficit , saying this week that he still sees a “ narrow path ” to victory .
As The Hill noted , Sanders addressed the primary this week during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers , saying he still believes he has at least a small chance of winning the Democratic nomination .
“ We ’ re about 300 delegates behind .
Biden has 1,200 , we have 900 , ” Sanders said .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a narrow path .
But I would tell you , Seth , that there are a lot of people who are supporting me .
We have a strong grass-roots movement who believe that we have got to stay in in order to continue the fight.
” Political experts have said there is very little chance that Sanders could win the nomination , especially given that Democratic contests are not winner-take-all .
In order to overcome Biden ’ s lead in pledged delegates , Sanders would need to win all of the remaining contests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in each state — a mark that he has only reached in a handful of states , and could not reach this year in his home state of Vermont despite defeating Hillary Clinton there by more than 60 points in 2016 .
As the Washington Examiner noted , Sanders has already lost his best chance to pick up delegates in major states , losing Texas as well as Michigan and winning California by smaller numbers than initial polling had indicated .
After poor performances in each of the first three contests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a larger-than-expected win in South Carolina and followed with a string of upset victories on Super Tuesday .
He followed that up with strong performances on each of the other major Tuesday contests , and has now taken what many see as an insurmountable lead .
But the Democratic primary has gone into something of a holding pattern amid the coronavirus outbreak , with many states postponing primaries or pushing them out for weeks or months .
Both candidates have been forced off the campaign trail , offering streaming statements and updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill noted , the Sanders camp has insisted that staying in the race allows him to push progressive proposals like Medicare for All , which Biden does not support .
Instead , the former vice president proposes expanding Obamacare by adding a public option , which had to be taken out of the initial proposal from Barack Obama in order to gain enough support to pass .

Bernie Sanders has committed to staying in the Democratic primary after a string of major losses left him facing a nearly insurmountable deficit, saying this week that he still sees a “narrow path” to victory.
As The Hill wrote, Sanders addressed the primary this week during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, explaining he still believes he has at least a small chance of winning the Democratic nomination.
“We’re about 300 delegates behind. Biden has 1,200, we have 900,” Sanders said. “There is a path. It is admittedly a narrow path. But I would tell you, Seth, that there are a lot of people who are supporting me. We have a strong grass-roots movement who believe that we have got to stay in, in order to continue the fight.”
Political experts have said there is very little chance that Sanders could win the nomination, especially given that Democratic contests are not winner-take-all. For him to overcome Biden’s lead in pledged delegates, Sanders would need to win all of the remaining polls with more than 57 percent of the vote in each state — a mark that he has only reached in a handful of states, and could not reach this year in his home state of Vermont despite defeating Hillary Clinton by more than 60 points in 2016.
As the Washington Examiner noted, Sanders has already lost his best chance to pick up delegates in major states, losing Texas as well as Michigan, and winning California by smaller numbers than initial polling had indicated.
After poor performances in each of the first three contests of the Democratic primary, Biden surged back with a larger-than-expected win in South Carolina and followed with a string of upset victories on Super Tuesday. He followed that up with strong performances on each of the other major Tuesday polls and has now taken what many see as a commanding lead.
But the Democratic primary has gone into something of a holding pattern amid the coronavirus outbreak, with many states postponing primaries or pushing them out for weeks or months. Both candidates have been forced off the campaign trail, offering streaming statements and updates on the crisis.
As The Hill noted, the Sanders camp has insisted that staying in the race allows him to push progressive proposals like Medicare for All, which Biden does not support. Instead, the former vice president proposes expanding the Affordable Care Act by adding a public option, which had to be taken out of the initial proposal from Barack Obama in order to gain enough support to pass.


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Donald Trump Blames Past Administrations For ‘Broken’ COVID-19 Test, Even Though Virus Only Existed

Donald Trump Blames Past Administrations For ‘Broken’ COVID-19 Test, Even Though Virus Only Existed Since 2019

Donald Trump said the slow rollout of coronavirus testing in the United States was the fault of past presidential administrations that handed him a “ broken ” test — even though the virus itself only started spreading within the country in late 2019 , three years into his term in office .
Trump made the statement during an appearance on the Fox News morning show Fox and Friends this week , repeating a claim he had made in an earlier Rose Garden briefing on the spread of the COVID-19 virus .
“ We took over a dead , barren system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That didn ’ t work , because when CDC first looked at their test , the biggest problem they had is , the test didn ’ t work .
That wasn ’ t from us .
That ’ s been there a long time .
Now we have the best tests in the world.
” As the fact-checking website noted , it was not possible for Trump ’ s administration to have inhered a flawed test for the COVID-19 virus since it was only officially identified as a new disease by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The virus had started spreading around the city of Wuhan , with health experts believe it was traced back to a wet market in the city .
The novel coronavirus , which causes the respiratory disease known as COVID-19 , spread to the United States weeks later and has now been reported in countries across the globe .
While Trump did not explicitly blame previous President Barack Obama in the statements , he has taken aim at his predecessor at times for what Trump called a lack of preparedness among federal agencies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lacked the proper preparation to test for the virus .
“ For decades the @ CDCgov looked at , and studied , its testing system , but did nothing about it , ” Trump wrote on Twitter , via NBC News .
“ It would always be inadequate and slow for a large scale pandemic , but a pandemic would never happen , they hoped .
President Obama made changes that only complicated things further.
” But critics place blame on Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place to prepare for a pandemic .
As Time noted , the Trump administration disbanding the National Security Council unit focused on pandemic preparedness back in 2018 , part of a larger restructuring of the NSC .
As the report noted , critics said doing so left a void in global health security within the White House and cost precious time at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Andrew Cuomo Reacts To His Brother’s Positive Coronavirus Diagnosis

Chris Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive for the disease .
Andrew Cuomo has opened up about the news that his younger brorther , Chris Cuomo , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
According to People , Cuomo spoke at a press conference on Tuesday about his brother ’ s diagnosis , and said that Chris would “ be fine.
” He used the news to reemphasize the importance of social distancing during the current health crisis , saying that the virus doesn ’ t care who you are .
“ Everyone is subject to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t care how smart , how rich , how powerful you think you are , I don ’ t care how young , how old .
This virus is the great equalizer , ” the New York governor said .
Chris , who is 49 , is currently the host of Cuomo Prime Time on CNN .
In fact , he and Andrew have gone viral several times in recent weeks because of their brotherly bickering during interviews about the pandemic .
During the press conference , Andrew explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high because he had to leave the house for his job .
As a member of the press , Chris is an essential worker , which means he ’ s been traveling to work every day .
As Andrew pointed out , those who are still traveling to work are at the highest risk of getting infected .
“ He ’ s just worried about his [ wife ] and his kids , that he didn ’ t get them infected , ” Andrew said .
Andrew also took time to praise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many don ’ t get to see .
Andrew said the TV host , who is currently in quarantine and plans to continue doing the show from his basement , only gets to reveal one side of himself during his time hosting the show .
At the press conference , Andrew said that Cuomo is an excellent and responsible journalist , and while he ’ s dogged and relentless on the air , he ’ s totally different in his personal life .
“ But that ’ s his job , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s a really sweet , beautiful guy .
He ’ s my best friend , ” Andrew said .
For many , the New York governor ’ s press conferences have been a source of comfort as he delivers information about his state ’ s response to the coronavirus .
The state is currently the epicenter of the virus in the U.S. , and currently has more than 40 percent of all of the cases in the country .
As of March 31 , the state had more than 75,000 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of COVID-19 , according to The New York Times .
Nationally , the number of confirmed cases crossed 170,000 as of Tuesday .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Mitch McConnell Claims Impeachment Distracted Trump Administration From Dealing With Coronavirus

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday that the impeachment inquiry distracted Donald Trump and his administration from effectively dealing with the then-emerging coronavirus pandemic .
As CNN reports , the Republican leader was speaking with Hugh Hewitt on his talk show when he claimed that the COVID-19 crisis “ came up while we were tied down in the impeachment trial .
“ I think it diverted the attention of the government , because everything , every day was all about impeachment , ” McConnell continued .
He added that Tom Cotton , a Republican senator from Arkansas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus could potentially devastate the country .
“ Tom figured this out early , and he was absolutely right , ” McConnell said .
Cotton , who also appeared with McConnell on the radio show , reiterated the Kentucky Republican ’ s statement .
“ I have to tell you that in mid-January and late-January , unfortunately , Washington , especially the Congress , was consumed with another matter — you may recall the partisan impeachment of the president , ” he said .
The Trump administration has faced intense scrutiny for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics arguing that the president ’ s attempts to downplay the seriousness of COVID-19 and the widespread shortage of testing kits and equipment for health care workers has allowed the disease to spread quickly throughout the country .
The first death due to the virus was reported on January 11 .
On January 15 , the House voted to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate , kicking off the trial in the upper chamber .
By January 20 , the disease had spread to several other countries .
On January 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control and everything would be “ just fine.
” On February 5 , the Senate acquitted the president , closing the trial .
By February 10 , after flawed test kits began rolling out to hospitals , he was telling people at a campaign rally that the virus could fade away as the weather warmed up in April .
At this point , over 160,000 have tested positive for the coronavirus , with over 3,000 dead from COVID-19 — the disease caused by the virus .
Several senators and representatives have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hewitt that he hasn ’ t heard of any new reports of people in Congress being infected .
He also defended Trump ’ s performance during the crisis and slammed Democrats for making the pandemic political .
“ I think the president is doing very , very well , ” he said .
“ The Democrats , it seems to me , want to turn the president ’ s handling of all this into a political liability for him .
I see he ’ s getting attacked in campaigns.
” McConnell himself has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a coronavirus stimulus bill was waiting back in Washington , D.C .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Donald Trump Says He Hasn’t Heard About Lack Of Coronavirus Test Kits ‘In Weeks’ In Leaked Audio

Donald Trump spoke with rural state governors in a conference call on Monday and leaked audio from the call reveals he claims he hasn ’ t heard about the lack of coronavirus test kits “ in weeks , ” according to a tweet from CBSNews .
As MSNBC reports , Montana Governor Steve Bullock told Trump that his state is lacking test kits , creating a challenge in dealing with the novel coronavirus in his state .
He asked the president for more assistance in obtaining the necessary equipment to address the crisis .
Dr. Anthony Fauci was also present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Bullock if they were able to identify cases and trace them in order to limit its spread .
The governor responded that they weren ’ t able to do the testing needed to be able to track the disease ’ s progression in the state .
“ Literally we are one day away , if we don ’ t get test kits from the CDC , that we wouldn ’ t be able to do testing in Montana , ” Gov .
Bullock said .
At that point , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to balk at the suggestion that the state didn ’ t have the tools they needed .
“ I haven ’ t heard about testing in weeks , ” Trump replied .
“ We ’ ve tested more now than any nation in the world .
We ’ ve got these great tests… .
I haven ’ t heard about testing being a problem.
” Although the president claimed that he hadn ’ t heard about “ testing being a problem , ” the United States still doesn ’ t have enough kits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
While the number of kits has increased in recent days , there is still a shortage of tests and the tools needed to administer them .
While the United States has tested many people , South Korea has tested 40 times more people than the U.S. , on a per capita basis .
Washington Governor Jay Inslee recently said that he was shocked to hear the president wasn ’ t aware of the challenge in testing Americans .
“ It would be shocking to me that if anyone who has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social networks or any other communication would not be knowledgeable about the need for test kits , ” he said .
“ I can be assured that the White House knows very well about this desperate need for test kits.
” The U.S. has been attempting to ramp up its testing ability , and Trump promised there would soon be drive-thru testing sites at big box stores across the nation .
As of this writing , however , that has failed to happen .
So far , there are drive-thru test spots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Walmart parking lot and one at a Rite Aid in Philadelphia .


inquisitr--2020-03-31--Kushner Family Firm Built Coronavirus Website That Donald Trump Promised Americans

Earlier this month , President Donald Trump stated that Google was helping build a website that would allow Americans to access information about coronavirus testing locations .
While it was later revealed that the company hadn ’ t yet agreed to build a nationwide website , it later said that it would begin working to meet that need .
However , it may not have to , as a website that does all that Trump promised may already exist .
As The Atlantic reports , a firm connected with Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner appears to have created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs — although its existence may violate ethics laws .
Joshua Kushner — Jared ’ s brother — has controlling interest in Oscar Health , a health insurance company that began developing a website for coronavirus testing at the request of the government , according to a spokesperson for the company .
Shortly after meeting with federal officials in Washington D.C. , however , the website idea was abandoned .
On March 13 , when Trump promised a coronavirus website , the Department of Health and Human Services reached out to Oscar Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president had attributed to Google .
The website would walk users through the symptoms they were experiencing and guide them to their nearest testing location , should it be determined they need further testing .
The website would appear to be provided by the department and be freely available to Americans .
Reportedly , Oscar Health had already built a website and just adjusted their code to match the government ’ s request , free of charge .
As Oscar Health was c0-founded by Joshua , Jared may have been working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of a federal mandate .
Jared has been leading a coronavirus task force separate from the one led by Vice President Mike Pence , according to reports .
A spokesperson for the company said Oscar Health was contracted by the government to build a website and declined to comment on whether Jared was involved directly .
An expert in anti-corruption law at George Washington University School of Law said that the situation could present a conflict of interest and may even violate the law , despite the fact that the website was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not typical .
It ’ s usually not allowed , ” Jessica Tillipman , the expert , said of the situation .
She said it may violate two different laws .
“ First , companies are generally not supposed to work for the federal government for free , though some exceptions can be made in a national emergency .
‘ The concern , when you have some free services , is that it makes the government beholden to the company , ’ Tillipman said , ” according to The Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule that dictates federal employees shouldn ’ t make decisions that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest .
So far , fewer than 1 million Americans have been tested for the virus .
The Trump administration promised to have drive-thru testing sites opened to the public within the next few weeks , but those sites have failed to materialize as of this writing .


inquisitr--2020-04-01--New Mistakes Discovered With FBI Wiretap Applications From Russia Investigation Made

There were problems with dozens of wiretap applications used for national security investigations .
Inspector General Michael Horowitz found on Tuesday , March 31 , that additional errors were made with regard to how the FBI managed a secret surveillance program .
The Associated Press reported that errors were made while listening to conversations held by potential spies and terrorists .
While the surveillance made in conjunction with the investigation on Russia ’ s interference with Trump ’ s 2016 campaign first brought this issue to light , the program has fallen under further scrutiny .
While the public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance power and possible abuses , some internal changes to the FBI have been made in response to Horowitz ’ s conclusions .
Furthermore , the incident has initiated a debate within Congress about if and how to cut back on the bureau ’ s surveillance tools and abilities .
Horowitz ordered a wider audit of the FBI and its spying accuracy after the report on Russia was filed in December 2019 .
Five years ’ worth of counterintelligence and counterterrorism applications were chosen to be reviewed .
At the conclusion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 24 reviewed applications , namely obvious errors and facts that were not properly supported with evidence .
In 2001 , the FBI enacted Woods Procedures , a set of rules that were designed to diminish errors in such applications .
These rules call for agents to keep a record with evidence and documentation for every fact agents state based on a surveillance application .
This latest audit was also meant to evaluate how well the Woods Procedures were working .
Twenty-nine applications were selected for review in all .
Of those , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of evidence written at the time of surveillance that the FBI could locate .
The remaining 25 applications that were said to have obvious errors had unsupported or inconsistent facts when compared to the accompanying record .
Each surveillance application was said to have an average of 20 problems .
One outlier had as many as 65 issues .
“ We do not have confidence that the FBI has executed its Woods Procedures in compliance with FBI policy , or that the process is working as it was intended to help achieve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications , ” Horowitz wrote according to the AP .
In response to the glaring issues , it was recommended that the FBI “ perform a physical inventory ” to verify that documentation and records were kept and are available for all surveillance applications that are a part of outstanding investigations .
Additionally , the FBI and the Justice Department claim to be undergoing important changes .
Among those changes are further training and other precautions to guarantee the accuracy of current and future surveillance applications .

Inspector General Michael Horowitz found on Tuesday, March 31, that additional errors were made with regard to how the FBI managed a secret surveillance program. The Associated Press reported that errors were made while listening to conversations held by potential spies and terrorists. While the surveillance made in conjunction with the investigation on Russia’s interference with Trump’s 2016 campaign first brought this issue to light, the program has fallen under further scrutiny.
BREAKING: A Justice Department audit has found widespread problems with the FBI's use of secret surveillance warrants https://t.co/xSLDPmgaGt — POLITICO (@politico) March 31, 2020
While the public and lawmakers fear how the FBI uses its surveillance power and possible abuses, some internal changes to the FBI have been made in response to Horowitz’s conclusions. Furthermore, the incident has initiated a debate within Congress about if and how to cut back on the bureau’s surveillance tools and abilities.
Horowitz ordered a wider audit of the FBI and its spying accuracy after the report on Russia was filed in December 2019. Five years’ worth of counterintelligence and counterterrorism applications were chosen to be reviewed. At the conclusion of the audit, issues were found with more than 24 reviewed applications, namely obvious errors and facts that were not properly supported with evidence.
In 2001, the FBI enacted Woods Procedures, a set of rules that were designed to diminish errors in such applications. These rules call for agents to keep a record with evidence and documentation for every fact agents state based on a surveillance application. This latest audit was also meant to evaluate how well the Woods Procedures were working.
Twenty-nine applications were selected for review in all. Of those, four were reported to have no record of evidence written at the time of surveillance that the FBI could locate. The remaining 25 applications that were said to have obvious errors had unsupported or inconsistent facts when compared to the accompanying record. Each surveillance application was said to have an average of 20 problems. One outlier had as many as 65 issues.
“We do not have confidence that the FBI has executed its Woods Procedures in compliance with FBI policy, or that the process is working as it was intended to help achieve the ‘scrupulously accurate’ standard for FISA applications,” Horowitz wrote according to the AP.
In response to the glaring issues, it was recommended that the FBI “perform a physical inventory” to verify that documentation and records were kept and are available for all surveillance applications that are a part of outstanding investigations. Additionally, the FBI and the Justice Department claim to be undergoing important changes. Among those changes are further training and other precautions to guarantee the accuracy of current and future surveillance applications.


inquisitr--2020-04-01--Howard Stern Says It’s ‘Mind Boggling’ That Donald Trump Is Bragging About Ratings During Coronaviru

Howard Stern Says It’s ‘Mind Boggling’ That Donald Trump Is Bragging About Ratings During Coronavirus Crisis

Howard Stern is not a fan of Donald Trump ’ s boasts about ratings during the coronavirus crisis .
The radio host , who said he considers Trump a friend and frequently hosted him on the air back when Trump was a real estate mogul and New York City playboy , said it is “ mind boggling ” that Trump this week bragging about the ratings for his daily briefings on the spread of the coronavirus .
Trump stirred controversy this week after he tweeted a portion of a New York Times story noting that millions of Americans are tuning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than watch the popular dating reality show The Bachelor .
“ Do I pull my hair out of my head when I see my buddy Donald Trump standing there talking about how can people not look at his ratings , and his ratings are higher than The Bachelor ?
” Stern said on his SiriusXM show on Tuesday , via The Hill .
Stern went on to say that Trump seems to see the important coronavirus briefings as a “ reality TV show , ” but said that Americans are only tuning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for leadership .
But the radio host added that he doesn ’ t see a point in harping too often on the president , noting that it won ’ t do anything to help Trump change his behavior .
“ I can ’ t change Donald Trump .
You think I ’ m going to change a 70-something-year-old man who ’ s never been in therapy ?
” Stern mused .
Stern then added that he isn ’ t mad at Trump for bragging about his ratings , realizing that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has been widely criticized for his tone and history of questionable statements at his briefings on the coronavirus , including a series of early statements downplaying the outbreak and predicting that it would be over in a matter of days .
Trump has also lashed out at reporters who have asked him about his history of questioning the severity of the crisis or the need for medical supplies from states , and has still disputed the need for tens of thousands of ventilators that states have requested .

Howard Stern is not a fan of Donald Trump’s boasts about ratings during the coronavirus crisis.
The radio host, who said he considers Trump a friend and frequently hosted him on the air back when Trump was a real estate mogul and New York City playboy, said it is “mind boggling” that Trump this week bragging about the ratings for his daily briefings on the spread of the coronavirus. Trump stirred controversy this week after he tweeted a portion of a New York Times story noting that millions of Americans are tuning in to watch him daily — more than watch the popular dating reality show The Bachelor.
“Do I pull my hair out of my head when I see my buddy Donald Trump standing there talking about how can people not look at his ratings, and his ratings are higher than The Bachelor?” Stern said on his SiriusXM show on Tuesday, via The Hill.
“The reason his ratings are higher are because people are scared sh*tless.”
Stern went on to say that Trump seems to see the important coronavirus briefings as a “reality TV show,” but said that Americans are only tuning in because they are in a crisis and looking for leadership.
But the radio host added that he doesn’t see a point in harping too often on the president, noting that it won’t do anything to help Trump change his behavior.
“I can’t change Donald Trump. You think I’m going to change a 70-something-year-old man who’s never been in therapy?” Stern mused.
“Do you think I’m going to change a man who’s never been introspective? First time I met him, he spoke about himself for an hour, didn’t ask me one question. I mean that’s Donald. I can’t yell at a turtle to run faster.”
Stern then added that he isn’t mad at Trump for bragging about his ratings, realizing that this is just who he is as a person.
Trump has been widely criticized for his tone and history of questionable statements at his briefings on the coronavirus, including a series of early statements downplaying the outbreak and predicting that it would be over in a matter of days. Trump has also lashed out at reporters who have asked him about his history of questioning the severity of the crisis or the need for medical supplies from states, and has still disputed the need for tens of thousands of ventilators that states have requested.


inquisitr--2020-04-01--Pro-Donald Trump Group Announces $10M Ad Buy: ‘It’s Time To Put Sleepy Joe Biden To Bed’

The Democratic Party ’ s presidential primary race is effectively over .
Barring any unforeseen circumstances , former Vice President Joe Biden will face President Donald Trump in November , so pro-Trump groups are now shifting their attention to the Democrats ’ likely presidential nominee .
Per The Hill , the pro-Trump America First Action PAC announced on Wednesday that it is investing around $ 10 million on cable , broadcast , digital and mail ads attacking Biden .
For now , the group will focus on key swing states , spending $ 5.5 million on ads in Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another $ 2 million in the state of Michigan .
The ads will run between mid-April and the end of May .
In a statement , Brian Walsh , president of America First Action PAC , echoed Trump .
“ This is our first round of spending , with much more to come .
By the time November rolls around , voters in battleground states are going to know why Joe Biden is weak , wrong and been around for too long to lead the United States of America , ” Walsh added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies have reportedly expressed concern over being outspent by Democratic groups .
For instance , Priorities USA , the largest Democratic super PAC , spent $ 6 million on ads in Michigan , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania , attacking Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , the same group announced that it is spending an additional $ 1.6 million on anti-Trump ads .
In one of the ads , Priorities USA suggested that Trump initially downplayed the coronavirus pandemic , calling it a “ hoax ” perpetuated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign threatened legal action over the ad , accusing the group of making false and misleading claims .
The Biden campaign has released a number of similar ads aimed at Trump .
Last week , they released an ad saying that Trump ’ s “ failure will cost lives , ” blasting the president ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak .
“ His downplaying will cost lives .
His incompetence will cost lives .
His ego will cost lives , ” the video says .
The pandemic has forced both Biden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president has been using his daily White House press briefings to spread his message .
Biden is responding by holding his own briefings , organizing virtual town halls , and appearing on popular cable news shows .
Per The Daily Beast , Biden — who has been criticized for being absent during the unprecedented national crisis — is also launching a podcast .
The former vice president ’ s Here ’ s the Deal will feature “ national top experts ” and aim to be a “ voice of clarity during uncertain @ @ @

Based on the numbers, the Democratic Party’s presidential primary race is effectively over. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, former Vice President Joe Biden will face President Donald Trump in November, so pro-Trump groups are now shifting their attention to the Democrats’ likely presidential nominee.
Per The Hill, the pro-Trump America First Action PAC announced on Wednesday that it is investing around $10 million on cable, broadcast, digital, and mail advertisements attacking Biden. For now, the group will focus on key swing states, spending $5.5 million on ads in Pennsylvania, $2.7 million in Wisconsin, and another $2 million in the state of Michigan. The ads will run between mid-April and the end of May.
In a statement, Brian Walsh, president of America First Action PAC, echoed Trump.
“It’s time to put Sleepy Joe Biden to bed.”
“This is our first round of spending, with much more to come. By the time November rolls around, voters in battleground states are going to know why Joe Biden is weak, wrong and been around for too long to lead the United States of America,” he added.
As The Hill notes, Trump’s allies have reportedly expressed concern over being outspent by Democratic groups. For instance, Priorities USA — the largest Democratic super PAC — spent $6 million on ads in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, attacking the president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the same group announced that it is spending an additional $1.6 million on anti-Trump advertisements.
In one of the ads, Priorities USA suggested that Trump initially downplayed the coronavirus pandemic, calling it a “hoax” perpetuated by the Democratic Party. The president’s campaign threatened legal action over the ad, accusing the group of making false and misleading claims.
The Biden campaign has released a number of similar ads aimed at Trump. Last week, it released an ad saying that Trump’s “failure will cost lives,” blasting the president’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“His downplaying will cost lives. His incompetence will cost lives. His ego will cost lives,” the video says.
The pandemic has forced both Biden and Trump off the campaign trail, but the president has been using his daily White House press briefings to spread his message. Biden is responding by holding his own briefings, organizing virtual town halls, and appearing on popular cable news shows.
Per The Daily Beast, Biden — who has been criticized for being absent during the unprecedented national crisis — is also launching a podcast. The former vice president’s Here’s the Deal will reportedly feature “national top experts” and aim to be a “voice of clarity during uncertain times.”


inquisitr--2020-04-01--Ben Shapiro Says ‘Everyone’ Waited Too Long To Treat Coronavirus As A Crisis

Thee coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the United States , which has the highest number of recorded cases in the world , assuming China ’ s numbers are accurate , which TIME suggested might not be the case .
As Democratic and Republican politicians continue to point in opposite directions for blame , conservative commentator Ben Shapiro claims that neither Donald Trump ‘ s administration nor prominent Democrats took COVID-19 seriously at the start of its spread .
“ The Trump administration waited too long to treat covid-19 as a crisis , ” he tweeted on Wednesday .
Shapiro then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes exacerbated the crisis , including the federal government ’ s alleged “ years-long unwillingness ” to increase ventilator capacity , as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s testing failures and the Food and Drug Administration ’ s “ thicket of regulations.
” “ But generalized ‘ Trump didn ’ t take this seriously enough !
’ stuff is ignoring the timeline , wherein every major Democrat didn ’ t take it very seriously until early March either , ” Shapiro concluded his Twitter thread .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats like presidential candidate Joe Biden , Senator Chris Murphy , and Senator Kamala Harris , all of whom raised the alarm on coronavirus in January or February .
During a Tuesday White House press briefing , Trump said he acknowledged the possibility of the coronavirus threat early on but wanted to stay positive for the country , Business Insider reported .
“ I knew everything , ” he said .
“ I knew it could be horrible , I knew it could be maybe good.
” As noted by Shapiro , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats who believe that preventative measures could have been taken earlier .
In response , Republicans have shifted blame to the Democratic-led impeachment probe , which was the focus of Congress for the months of December and January , when the coronavirus spread throughout China and surrounding countries .
Despite the backlash Trump has faced for downplaying the coronavirus , early reports on the virus were mixed .
For example , in mid-January , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said there was no evidence from Chinese authorities that coronavirus can spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Trump ’ s travel ban against China , which was echoed by many who were critical of Trump ’ s coronavirus approach .
Even former President Barack Obama ‘ s Ebola czar , Ron Klain , who was critical of the Trump administration ’ s overall response to the pandemic , said the ban was the right move .

The coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the United States, which has the highest number of recorded cases in the world — assuming China’s numbers are accurate, which Time suggested might not be the case. As Democratic and Republican politicians continue to point in opposite directions for blame, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro claimed that neither Donald Trump‘s administration nor prominent Democrats took COVID-19 seriously at the start of its spread.
“The Trump administration waited too long to treat covid-19 as a crisis,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
“So did everyone. If Trump had called for a two-week lockdown in late January rather than the travel ban (which Dems opposed), he would have been called a dictator by the same Dems now calling him derelict.”
Shapiro then pointed to “specific failures” he believes exacerbated the crisis, including the federal government’s alleged “years-long unwillingness” to increase ventilator capacity, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s testing failures and the Food and Drug Administration’s “thicket of regulations.”
“But generalized ‘Trump didn’t take this seriously enough!’ stuff is ignoring the timeline, wherein every major Democrat didn’t take it very seriously until early March either,” Shapiro concluded his Twitter thread.
In response, many social media users pointed to Democrats like presidential candidate Joe Biden, Senator Chris Murphy, and Senator Kamala Harris, all of whom raised the alarm on coronavirus in January or February.
We need to know the plan for ratcheting up the resources necessary to raise the line here. Otherwise, flattening the curve won't do anything but destroy the economy. The line right now isn't high enough to clear the flattened curve indefinitely, or in case of second wave. pic.twitter.com/ocdUre6ZAd — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) March 20, 2020
During a Tuesday White House press briefing, Trump said he acknowledged the possibility of the coronavirus threat early on but wanted to stay positive for the country, Business Insider reported.
“I knew everything,” he said. “I knew it could be horrible, I knew it could be maybe good.”
As noted by Shapiro, Trump’s approach has received backlash from Democrats who believe that preventative measures could have been taken earlier. Meanwhile, Republicans have shifted blame to the Democratic-led impeachment probe, which was the focus of Congress for the months of December and January, when the coronavirus spread throughout China and surrounding countries.
Despite the backlash Trump has faced for allegedly downplaying the coronavirus, early reports on the virus were mixed. For example, in mid-January, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there was no evidence from Chinese authorities that coronavirus can be transmitted from human to human.
The WHO also recommended against Trump’s travel ban against China, which was echoed by many who were critical of the president’s coronavirus approach. Even former President Barack Obama‘s Ebola czar, Ron Klain, who was critical of the Trump administration’s overall response to the pandemic, said the ban was the right move.


inquisitr--2020-04-01--Rep. Mark Pocan Calls Mitch McConnell ‘An Idiot’ For Saying Impeachment Diverted Attention From Coro

Rep. Mark Pocan Calls Mitch McConnell ‘An Idiot’ For Saying Impeachment Diverted Attention From Coronavirus

Attacking the Democratic Party , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said earlier this week that the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump “ diverted the attention of the government ” for the coronavirus pandemic .
Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin had a lot to say about McConnell ’ s recent remarks .
Per Mediaite , during an appearance on the Dean Obeidallah Show Tuesday , Pocan called McConnell “ an idiot , ” accusing the senator of not having his constituents ’ best interests in mind .
According to Pocan , unlike McConnell , Speaker of the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker initiatives ” in the relief and stimulus bill passed by the United States Congress in order to save the sinking economy and help businesses and working Americans amid the raging coronavirus pandemic .
Furthermore , Pocan argued , Trump is directly to blame for the federal government ’ s inadequate response to the coronavirus crisis , since he initially downplayed the severity of the outbreak , ignoring warnings from experts and international bodies .
“ But the reality is the president screwed up at multiple levels from the very beginning on testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization tests , to not taking this is as real , ” the congressman said .
According to Pocan , because of Trump ’ s reluctance to acknowledge the reality of the situation , some still believe that the crisis is being blown out of proportion .
The representative added that he is “ going to the healthcare professionals ” for advice on how to handle the pandemic , noting that Americans should listen to advice from public health experts , stay home and practice social distancing .
The federal government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stop the virus from spreading , but Trump appears to be alternating between acknowledging the severity of the outbreak and dismissing the coronavirus and comparing it to the ordinary seasonal flu .
During a press briefing on Friday , the president told reporters that the deadly virus can be described as a “ flu.
” On Tuesday , however , he described the coronavirus as “ vicious , ” arguing that it is nothing like the flu .
According to an analysis by The New York Times , the coronavirus is up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to World Health Organization research , it could be 34 times as deadly as the flu .
As of Wednesday afternoon , at least 4,669 Americans have died from complications caused by the coronavirus , per CNN .