By Robert Reich
The utter chaos in America’s response to the pandemic – shortages of equipment to protect hospital workers, dwindling supplies of ventilators and critical medications, and jaw-dropping confusion over how the $2.2 trillion of aid in the recent coronavirus law will be distributed – was perhaps predictable in a nation that prides itself on competitive individualism and hates centralized power.
But it is also tailor-made for Donald Trump, who has spent a lifetime exploiting chaos for personal gain and blaming others for losses.
“I take no responsibility at all” for the slow rate of coronavirus testing in the United States, he said.
On Friday, when asked if he could assure New Yorkers there would be enough ventilators next week when virus victims are expected to overwhelm city hospitals, he replied, “No. They should have had more ventilators.”
Trump has told governors to find ventilators and other life-saving equipment on their own. He refuses to create a central bargaining agent for what’s needed, arguing the federal government is “not a shipping clerk.” This has left states and cities bidding against each other, driving up prices.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo described how ventilators went from $25,000 to $45,000 “because we bid $25,000. California says, ‘I’ll give you $30,000’ and Illinois says, ‘I’ll give you $35,000’ and Florida says ‘I’ll give you $40,000. And then, FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] gets involved and FEMA starts bidding! And now FEMA is bidding on top of the 50! So FEMA is driving up the price. What sense does this make? We’re literally bidding up the prices ourselves.”
New York state is paying 20 cents for gloves that normally cost less than 5 cents, $7.50 for masks that normally go for 50 cents, $2,795 for infusion pumps that normally cost half that, $248,841 for a portable X-ray machine that typically sells for $30,000 to $80,000.
Who’s pocketing all this? An array of producers, importers, wholesalers, and speculators. State laws against price gouging usually don’t apply to government purchases.
Some of it may be finding its way into this fall’s election campaigns. Veteran Republican fundraiser Mike Gula and Republican political operative John Thomas just started a company selling coronavirus testing kits, personal protective equipment and other “hard to find medical supplies to beat the outbreak.” They call themselves “the largest global network of COVID-19 medical suppliers.”
Asked how he’d found such equipment, Gula explains “I have relationships with a lot of people.” Thomas says “in politics – especially if you’re at a high enough level – you are one phone call away from anybody in the world.”
Meanwhile, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner – who’s one phone call away from anyone – is running a “shadow” coronavirus task force that’s been enlisting the private sector and overseeing the Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies, all out of public view. “It’s supposed to be our stockpile – it’s not supposed to be state stockpiles,” he said cryptically on Thursday.
Oh, and let’s not forget the giant coronavirus bill Trump signed into law on March 28, which created a $500 billion fund that Trump and his Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, will distribute to the private sector.
In a signing statement, Trump said he wouldn’t agree to provisions in the bill for congressional oversight – meaning the wheeling-and-dealing will be in secret.
To oversee the slush fund, Trump has picked one of his White House lawyer lackeys who played a key role in shaping his impeachment defense. Then Trump fired the inspector general for the intelligence community who first told Congress about the whistleblower complaint that led to the impeachment.
Is there any doubt Trump will try to use this money, as well as his son-in-law’s secretive dealings, to improve his odds of reelection?
Recall that Trump was impeached on charges of abuse of power and obstructing investigations. Eight months ago, he phoned Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, seeking dirt on Joe Biden and threatening to hold up military aid to get it.
In June 2016, his son, Donald Jr., and Jared Kushner met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, after a Russian intermediary contacted Trump Jr. with a promise to provide material that would “incriminate” Hillary Clinton and be “very useful to your father,” adding it was part of the Russian government’s “support” for Trump.
Donald Trump calls allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election a “hoax.” He called his impeachment a “hoax.” He initially called the coronavirus a “hoax.”
But the real hoax is Trump’s commitment to America. In reality he will do anything – anything – to hold on to power. In his mind, the coronavirus crisis is just another opportunity.
Robert Reich is the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a senior fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He served as secretary of labor in the Clinton administration, and Time magazine named him one of the 10 most effective cabinet secretaries of the 20th century. He has written 14 books, including the best-sellers Aftershock, The Work of Nations, Beyond Outrage and, most recently, Saving Capitalism. He is also a founding editor of The American Prospect magazine, chairman of Common Cause, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and co-creator of the award-winning documentary, Inequality for All.
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WhackAMole says
I imagine the furor if a Democrat were POTUS now, saying the things Trump said, and acting the way he’s acting. Take away the fact that it’s unlikely a Democrat would behave this way in the first place. Trump tells everyone this is a nothing-burger. Don’t worry, it’ll be gone by spring. We have it under control. It’s a hoax about the severity. States can follow the guidelines if they want, they are merely guidelines. States are on their own for equipment. It’s not my responsibility. I am not at fault. I’ve done a wonderful job. States need to prepare better. They don’t really need as much as they say. I AM THE EMPEROR AND I SAY WHEN WE REOPEN THE ECONOMY. I HAVE ABSOLUTE POWER. Ignoring the fact that three branches of government exist in the first place that prohibit one entity from having all the power.
I mean come on. Really? He basically thumbs his nose at the states for weeks when they are begging for help and then when they want to reopen in a reasonable manner all of a sudden the Fuhrer emerges. The man who dreams of being the final POTUS, the one that will rule until the end of his time. If Obama were in office and said or did even 1/10 of what Trump has, the pitchforks would march on DC. The birthers would come out and challenge his legitimacy. They would draw caricatures of him and Michelle as having ape-like effigies (which they did on the regular). They would say, “Here come the camps,” and talk about gun grabs and LGBTQ people runing the world and being responsible for COVID (like the dimwit cop claiming one of his own officers contracted it because he was gay). The amount of insanity at yesterday’s press conference, using taxpayer dollars for a propaganda video, while basically telling yet another female reporter to shut up, was the epitome of his inability to function as an adult. It was an embarrassment. He is embarrassing. He is nothing more than a petulant child throwing tantrum after tantrum. Yesterday did do something though, it actually made me realize that “W” wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Gary R says
Coronavirus originated in China. China concealed it and lied about it. They even blamed the US Military for the virus. And, you blame President Trump? Next you will tell us President Trump created Coronavirus. You too funny! Stop complaining Debbie Downer’s your TDS is showing.
Dr. Anthony Fauci from January 26th assuring Americans that the Coronavirus is nothing to worry about. And, in February said it was minuscule. https://radio.foxnews.com/2020/03/27/cdc-director-reacts-to-resurfaced-tape-of-dr-anthony-fauci-downplaying-virus-threat/
And what did Deblasio and New York Department of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot say https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIVUpx8pawI
Edith Campins says
This is an excerpt from the official White House briefing on January 31. You can read the whole transcript at the White House website. Had trump been paying attention, he would have known:
“As of today, there are nearly 9,700 cases in China, with more than 200 deaths. Additionally, currently there are another 23 countries that have confirmed, totally, 132 cases. This also includes 12 individuals who have been confirmed in six countries who did not travel to China.”
He still held rallies and went golfing. Americans died.
Brian Ross says
Hey Gary,
You really need to turn off Fox News, stop blindly believing anything & everything Trump says & start reading the actual facts for yourself – from solid, non-political, science based sources.
Trump had been warned about the dangers of SARS-CoV-2 & its subsequent COVID-19 outbreak by the CDC, WHO & CIDMA back in Dec. 2019 & Jan & Feb & March! (Not to mention the SAME warnings provided to him in his Daily Security Briefings throughout the SAME time-line.) The problem was fully understood even with China hiding many of the facts. Hell.., it wasn’t until mid-March that he finally stopped calling it “nothing but a cold”.
Trump did Not “Cause” this pandemic but he is ABSOLUTELY Responsible for the Poor, Lackluster, To Little To Late Response to it, for spreading disinformation & outright lies about it’s severity and for our federal system being wholly unprepared for it.
Both, his Actions & Inactions are Directly Responsible for the loss of American lives and the hole which we find our country in now & in future.
Gary R says
Hey Brian Ross,
I never said I watched Fox News. Actually I watch all the news outlets to get different opinions. But, Dr. Anthony Fauci from January 26th assuring Americans that the Coronavirus is nothing to worry about. And, in February said it was minuscule. New York governor Andrew Cuomo and mayor Bill de Blasio said it was nothing to worry about. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that we must ignore President Donald Trump and listen to the scientists. But it was the scientists — and especially those working for the World Health Organization — who got it wrong during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
These scientists were the ones who suggested that the coronavirus was no worse that SARS or avian flu; they were the ones who told us to not panic and to not close borders.
President Trump has reasonably said that we may need to open business in lightly affected areas because if we don’t, there may well be a depression. Scientists don’t have to worry about things like that, but presidents do.
Read more here: https://www.thestate.com/opinion/article242067001.html#storylink=cpy
Beyond tired says
So beyond tired of Trumps attempts to take the focus off the best interests of America and Americans and keep it directly all about him. Having temper tantrums and red faced meltdowns like a spoiled toddler. How is it that everyone, everyone, cannot see him for what he truly is? Such a malignant narcissist that he’d fire Jesus Christ if he refused to suck up to him.
#FireTrumpNotFauci.
Biden 2020, vote blue and get Mr. crazy out of the Whitehouse. STAT.
Raymond j Lantinen says
YES!!!!!!
A Concerned Observer says
Well imagine my shock. The author of this piece, Robert Reich, is the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a senior fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He served as secretary of labor in the Clinton administration, and Time magazine named him one of the 10 most effective cabinet secretaries of the 20th century. I would expect nothing less from someone of his credentials. I’m sure he is completely unbiased (NOT)… Stay in California sir, we don’t need you or your myopic blather.
Barn says
A concerned observer?you correctly pointed mr.Reichs impressive credentials and accolades and then dismiss him WHY?…..oh yeah thats right he mentioned the clintons.you cant get past the trumpian koolaid affect😄lock him up!
flagler1 says
there is an old saying in politics: never let a good crisis go to waste.
David Schaefer says
I would love to stick a fork in his butt and let him float away he is a joke to this country vote to get him out in Nov…
STAN says
Robert Reich you can’t even control U of C Berkeley,never mnd anything else.Your a true snowflake nut case!!!
Sandra L. says
Stan, Yes! You’re absolutely right. I find it very funny the way the liberal democrats express themselves; they use these silly, childish descriptions like “stick a fork in him” etc. These people truly represent and mirror their party’s lunacy.
Sherry says
For those who would “Automatically” dismiss and disparage Robert Reich’s excellent article here based “solely” on his political leanings. . . please enlighten us. Please quote your credentialed source that shows his resume and education to be somehow incorrect, or his factual statements to be erroneous. Thank You!
Sandra L. says
Sherry,..so what you’re saying is that, because Robert Reich is a “highly educated” professor, we must automatically believe that everything he writes is a true fact and not his opinion based on his liberal political leanings?? Your statement demonstrates to the rest of us, still with our own thinking brain, why we’re so skeptical of the direction the educational system has taken in this country, and much of the globalists throughout the world. Liberal education is nothing but indoctrination, it’s a programmed farce that closes the mind to enlightenment and learning FACTS not made up history, political correctness, and liberal politics. Robert Reich’s distorted opinion is nothing but that; his worthless opinion.
Don says
Very well put Sandra….. Thank You !!!
Dr. Beach says
I agree. Many of us are as highly educated as Robert Reich yet we do no share his opinion.
Stephen Smith says
Being Highly educated in one field does not mean you know everything about another,
Dr. Beach says
Never said I did.
Florida Voter says
Please ignore the credentials of the author, try to strip out the bias verbiage and simply look at the arguments presented based on the FACTS.
Pay attention to what happens and what is said:
1) “I take no responsibility at all” for the slow rate of coronavirus testing in the United States, [Trump] said. [he really did]
2) Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner [what past experience does he have dealing with international health emergencies?] is running a coronavirus task force that’s been enlisting the private sector and overseeing the Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies, all out of public view [no oversight].
3) In a signing statement, Trump said he wouldn’t agree to provisions in the bill for congressional oversight.
4) Trump removed the lead watchdog overseeing the $2 trillion coronavirus fund. [IG Fine]
5) [from other news sites] “When Trump signed the $2 trillion package on March 27, he issued what’s known as a signing statement, or a declaration of how a president intends to interpret the new law he is signing. In it, Trump wrote that his administration would not be “permitting the [the Inspector General] to issue reports to the Congress without the presidential supervision.”
Essentially, Trump was trying to assert control over what the SIGPR would be permitted to report to Congress and what they would not. This undercuts a fundamental part of the SIGPR’s job, namely, to ensure that Congress can effectively oversee what the Trump administration is doing with the $500 billion bailout.” [www.cnbc.com/2020/04/07/coronavirus-relief-trump-removes-inspector-general-overseeing-2-trillion-package.html]
6) There are more examples of Trump removing oversight, requiring oversight to go through the White House [at which point, it is no longer independent oversight], firing individuals in charge of oversight and appointing his own, possibly or demonstrably biased [some call this bias “loyalty”], individuals to the role.
7) “Whatever happens, we’re totally prepared.” Trump said this Feb. 26, 2020. Now we have the most deaths of any nation, testing is lagging behind many other countries and below the level requested by many counties, protective supplies for our “essential workers” (health, first responders, grocery, etc) is well below the demand. Trump’s administration was warned of this pandemic as early as January 8th.
8) For more information regarding Trump’s coronavirus pandemic statements, see: direct and cited quotes at: https://www.factcheck.org/2020/03/trumps-statements-about-the-coronavirus/
All of the above are highlighting factual events, written in what I hope is free of partisan phrasing, adjectives, and adverbs. The events above are also independent of the qualifications of Dr. Reich, but are nonetheless true.
This is not “indoctrination” or “a programmed farce that closes the mind.” This is not “made up history, political correctness, [or] liberal politics.” The above items are real and verifiable verifiable FACTS.
Gary R says
Jan 27 – Vox – “The House will soon vote on a bill to repeal Trump’s travel ban — as he gears up to expand it. Nancy Pelosi says she will bring the NO BAN Act, filed by Democrat Rep. Judy Chu [CA-27], to the floor in the coming weeks.”
Jan 28 – Business Insider – “flu is a far bigger threat to most people in the US than the Wuhan coronavirus”
LA Times – “The new coronavirus isn’t a threat to people in the United States – but the flu is”
Jan 30 – CDC – confirmed the 6th coronavirus infection, also the first “known” human-to-human transmission within the U.S. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield let us know that “the immediate risk to the American public is low.”
WHO – urged countries not to restrict travel or trade in response to COVID-19
Jan 31 – CDC – confirmed the seventh coronavirus infection, a male who traveled to Wuhan. “We are preparing as if this were the next pandemic, but we are hopeful still that this is not and will not be the case,” the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Dr. Nancy Messonnier said after this news came out.
Jan 31 – President Trump announced that all foreign nationals who had traveled to China except the immediate family members of US citizens or permanent residents won’t be allowed into the U.S. effective February 2nd, 5 pm (EST). Which was immediately ridiculed by the media and the Democrats.
Feb 1 – Joe Biden sent the following tweet: “We are in the midst of a crisis with the coronavirus. We need to lead the way with science — not Donald Trump’s record of hysteria, xenophobia, and fear-mongering. He is the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health emergency.” So, if Biden were the POTUS, would he have listened to the clowns at the WHO, CDC, and NCIRD and have done nothing?
Washington Post – “Get a grippe, America. The flu is a much bigger threat than coronavirus, for now.”
New York Times “Beware the Pandemic Panic – (used to justify unnecessarily severe limits on movement and civil liberties)”
Feb 4 – Politico – “Coronavirus quarantine, travel ban could backfire, experts fear”
Florida Voter says
I’m not sure what you’re saying. Pelosi? What does she have to do with Trumps reaction to this pandemic?
“Business Insider” quote? Are you highlighting that BUSINESS $$$ were incorrectly attempting to minimize the threat? As of a week and a half ago, the Coronavirus was the second leading cause of death in the US. https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-leading-cause-of-death.html The death rate has increased, so it might be THE leading cause by now. I’d like to see current numbers if you have them.
Dr. Redfield’s quote? In the same paragraph, he also says “However, the full picture of how easy and how sustainable this virus can spread is unclear. Today, news underscores the important risk dependent exposure … Our goal of the ongoing U.S. Public health service response is to contain this outbreak and prevent sustained spread of this virus in our nation. This is why our response here domestically has been aggressive. This is why we’re working with all our government partners in our state, local, tribal and territorial groups to address this outbreak. ”
Dr. Messonnier? Thank you for highlighting the fact that a day after Dr. Redfield’s address, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases was treating this “like the next pandemic.” NOTE: Trump quotes Feb. 10: “Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away.” Feb 24: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. … Stock Market starting to look very good to me!” Feb. 27:“It’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.” So .. Trump’s response was that we it would end by a miracle? It wasn’t until the end of Feb. that he finally said we “should be prepared” and that in response to a question from a reporter. And it wasn’t until mid March that Trump started to express the severity of this situation.
The comment about Biden? You were doing pretty good about sticking to facts and references and keeping partisan rhetoric out of you comment until then (divining what someone else would do? “clowns”?). In that last portion, you show your disdain for scientific reasoning, i.e. reasoning based on measurable evidence. Biden’s tweet that you quote, however, highlights the fact that TRUMP WAS DOING NOTHING to lead the United States.
Not one of your statements refute any of the points made in the original article, Sherry’s comment, or my response to Sandra.
Edith Campins says
In his own words:
Jan. 20:
First confirmed U.S. case of coronavirus announced in Washington state.
Jan. 22: 1 case confirmed in U.S.
“We do have a plan”
“We do have a plan and we think it’s gonna be handled very well, we’ve already handled it very well. — President Trump to CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid in Davos, Switzerland.
Jan. 22: 1 case confirmed in U.S.
“We have it under control”
“We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. We have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.” CNBC interview in Davos, Switzerland
Jan. 24: 2 cases confirmed in U.S.
Appreciates China’s “efforts and transparency”
President Trump issues his first tweet on coronavirus. “China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”
Jan. 29: 5 cases confirmed in U.S.
U.S. experts “are on top of situation 24/7”
“Just received a briefing on the Coronavirus in China from all of our GREAT agencies, who are also working closely with China. We will continue to monitor the ongoing developments. We have the best experts anywhere in the world, and they are on top of it 24/7!” the president tweeted.
Jan. 30: 7 cases confirmed in U.S.
U.S. has a “very little problem” with five cases
On this day, the World Health Organization declares coronavirus a public-health emergency. “We think we have it very well under control. We have very little problem in this country at this moment — five — and those people are all recuperating successfully. But we’re working very closely with China and other countries, and we think it’s going to have a very good ending for us … that I can assure you,” Mr. Trump said at a speech at a Michigan manufacturing plant.
Jan. 31: 8 cases confirmed in U.S.
President Trump bars many travelers from China, and U.S. declares a public health emergency.
Feb. 5: 11 cases confirmed in U.S.
President Trump is acquitted after impeachment trial in the Senate.
Feb. 7: 11 confirmed cases in U.S.
With warmer weather “virus hopefully becomes weaker with warmer weather, and then gone”
“Just had a long and very good conversation by phone with President Xi of China. He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus. He feels they are doing very well, even building hospitals in a matter of only days. Nothing is easy, but……he will be successful, especially as the weather starts to warm & the virus hopefully becomes weaker, and then gone. Great discipline is taking place in China, as President Xi strongly leads what will be a very successful operation. We are working closely with China to help!” the president tweeted.
Feb. 10: 12 confirmed cases in U.S.
Xi “feels…the heat, generally speaking, kills this kind of virus”
“I had a long talk with President Xi — for the people in this room — two nights ago, and he feels very confident. He feels very confident. And he feels that, again, as I mentioned, by April or during the month of April, the heat, generally speaking, kills this kind of virus,” the president said during a White House meeting with governors.
Feb. 23: 51 confirmed cases in U.S.
Situation is “very much under control”
“We’re very much involved. We’re very — very cognizant of everything going on. We have it very much under control in this country,” the president told reporters, in response to a question about whether he had been updated on the coronavirus.
Feb. 24: 51 confirmed cases in U.S.
“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA”
“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!” the president tweeted.
Feb. 25: 57 confirmed cases in U.S.
Coronavirus is “very well under control in our country”
“You may ask about the coronavirus, which is very well under control in our country. We have very few people with it, and the people that have it are – in all cases, I have not heard anything other,” the president said during a press conference on his trip to India.
Feb. 26: 58 confirmed cases in U.S.
The 15 cases in U.S. “within a couple days is going to be down close to zero”
“I want you to understand something that shocked me when I saw it that — and I spoke with Dr. Fauci on this, and I was really amazed, and I think most people are amazed to hear it: The flu, in our country, kills from 25,000 people to 69,000 people a year. That was shocking to me. And, so far, if you look at what we have with the 15 people and their recovery, one is — one is pretty sick but hopefully will recover, but the others are in great shape. But think of that: 25,000 to 69,000. … “And again, when you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero, that’s a pretty good job we’ve done,” the president said during a Coronavirus Task Force Press briefing at the White House.
Feb. 27: 60 confirmed cases in U.S.
Virus will “disappear” one day “like a miracle”
“It’s going to disappear. One day it’s like a miracle, it will disappear,” the president said during a White House meeting with African-American leaders.
Feb. 29: 74 confirmed cases in U.S.
“Everything is really under control”
“And we’ve done a great job. And I’ve gotten to know these professionals. They’re incredible. And everything is under control. I mean, they’re very, very cool. They’ve done it, and they’ve done it well. Everything is really under control.” — Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. One attendee from that event later tested positive, and lawmakers who attended went under self-quarantine.
Feb. 29: 74 confirmed cases in U.S.
First coronavirus death in the U.S. on this day
“We’ve taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus. They are the most aggressive taken by any country and we’re the number one travel destination anywhere in the world, yet we have far fewer cases of the disease then even countries with much less travel or a much smaller population.” —White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing
March 4: 217 confirmed cases in U.S.
It’s “very safe to fly” in “large portions of the world”
“Yeah, I think where these people are flying, it’s safe to fly. And large portions of the world are very safe to fly. So we don’t want to say anything other than that. And we have closed down certain sections of the world, frankly, and they’ve sort of automatically closed them also. They’ll understand that and they understand it better, perhaps, than anybody. Yes, it’s safe.” — White House meeting with airline executives.
March 6: 402 confirmed cases in U.S.
“Anybody that wants a test can get a test”
“Anybody that wants a test can get a test. … The tests are all perfect, like the letter was perfect, the transcription was perfect, right?” — CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
March 9: 959 confirmed cases in U.S.
Compares number of deaths caused by coronavirus and flu
“So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!” the president tweeted.
March 10: 1,300 confirmed cases in U.S.
“Just stay calm. It will go away”
“Well, this was unexpected. This was something that came out of China, and it hit us and many other countries. You look at the numbers; I see the numbers with just by watching you folks. I see it — it’s over 100 different countries. And it hit the world. And we’re prepared, and we’re doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away,” the president said on Capitol Hill after meeting with Republican senators.
March 11: 1,700 confirmed cases in U.S.
“We will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days”
“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground.” — Televised Oval Office address to the nation.
March 12: 2,200 confirmed cases in U.S.
Highlights lower number of deaths in U.S.
“I mean, think of it: The United States, because of what I did and what the administration did with China, we have 32 deaths at this point. Other countries that are smaller countries have many, many deaths. Thirty-two is a lot. Thirty-two is too many. But when you look at the kind of numbers that you’re seeing coming out of other countries, it’s pretty amazing when you think of it. So, that’s it.” — Trump meeting with Irish prime minister at White House.
March 13: 2,700 confirmed cases in U.S.
Declares national emergency
“We have 40 people right now. Forty. Compare that with other countries that have many, many times that amount. And one of the reasons we have 40 and others have — and, again, that number is going up, just so you understand. And a number of cases, which are very small, relatively speaking — it’s going up. But we’ve done a great job because we acted quickly. We acted early. And there’s nothing we could have done that was better than closing our borders to highly infected areas.” — Rose Garden press conference.
March 16: 6,400 confirmed cases in U.S.
Announces new social distancing guidelines, says outbreak could last until July or August
“I’ve spoken actually with my son. He says, ‘How bad is this?’ It’s bad. It’s bad. But we’re going to — we’re going to be, hopefully, a best case, not a worst case. And that’s what we’re working for.”
“They think August, it could be July,” he said at a press briefing Monday, referring to members of the White House task force. “Could be longer than that.”— White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing.
March 24: 65,800 confirmed cases in U.S.
Wants country and economy “raring to go by Easter”
“I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” the president said of easing social distancing guidelines in parts of the country.”
“I think Easter Sunday — you’ll have packed churches all over our country.” — Fox News town hall.
March 24: 65,800 confirmed cases in U.S.
“We begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel”
“There is tremendous hope as we look forward and we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” — White House Coronavirus Task Force Press briefing.
March 29: 161,800 confirmed cases in U.S.
Extends Easter target to April 30
“The better you do, the faster this whole nightmare will end. Therefore, we will be extending our guidelines to April 30th to slow the spread. … We can expect that, by June 1st, we will be well on our way to recovery. We think, by June 1st, a lot of great things will be happening.” — White House Rose Garden press conference.
March 31: 213,400 confirmed cases in U.S.
“This could be a hell of a bad two weeks.” Raises possibility of 100,000 deaths in U.S.
“This could be a hell of a bad two weeks. This is gonna be a very bad two — or maybe even three — weeks,” the president said. “This is going to be three weeks like we haven’t seen before.” — White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing.
March 31: 213,400 confirmed cases in U.S.
Trump says COVID-19 is “not the flu”
“But it’s not the flu. It’s vicious. When you send a friend to the hospital and you call up to find out, how is he doing, it happened to me. Where he goes to the hospital, he says goodbye, sort of a tough guy, little older, little heavier than he’d like to be, frankly. And you call up the next day, ‘how’s he doing?’ And he’s in a coma? This is not the flu. — White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing.
April 3: 273,880 confirmed cases in U.S.
Trump stands by past comments that virus will “go away”
“I said it was going away – and it is going away.” — White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing.
First published on April 3, 2020 / 11:51 AM
Gary R says
Blah, blah, blah. Bottom line China gave a rare admission of fault, admitting ‘deficiencies’ in its response to the Wuhan coronavirus that has now infected more than 20,000 people
https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-china-admits-deficiencies-in-response-2020-2
David Schaefer says
You damn Trump supporters don’t want to admit the truth about anything….
Gary R says
@David Schaefer – You don’t believe a web site? Where China admitted their fault?
Robjr says
No matter how dumb and incompetent knucklehead shows himself to be he still has that 40 something percent who believe he is the best thing to happen to this country since the invention of the automobile.
WTF????
KKsays says
They are the stupid 40% of this country.
Dennis says
Nothing but a shit slinging political joke now. No one is to blame here. It’s a world economy everything ends up everywhere. Deal with it.
I just want to go out to a sit down dinner.
Sherry says
And, the FOX brainwashed cult continues to disparage open minded ethical moral conviction, education and facts. Meanwhile praising conservative, closed minded, immoral “opinions” based on underlying prejudice, fundamental religious bias, xenophobia, chauvinism, and homophobia, et al. And, the “Make America Ignorant and White” again beat goes on and on and on. . . . . . . YAWN!
OH. . . and, FOX Cult. . . just be sure you NEVER tune into or read PBS, BBC, NBC, CBS , APNEWS, TIME, NEWSWEEK, USA TODAY, REUTERS, NYTIMES, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, WASHINGTON POST, etc. . . . just stick to FOX, Breitbart , Rush and the Drudge Report. Wouldn’t want to pry open your minds and confuse you with credentialed FACTS.
Gary R says
@Sherry – Looks like somebody is obsessed with Fox News. But, fails to mention Fox News is #1 for 18 years. That is a lot of cult members. LOL
Beyond tired says
Nothing negative is ever said about the Obamas or the Clintons? Excuse me? That is all the far right has done for years. Spew lies on Fox and your ridiculous conspiracy blogs. You believe every word they say without taking a minute to think and reason it out yourself. Trump harassed Obama
for years, speaks like a playground bully using juvenile name calling that appeals to the mentality of his base. Yes, it is frightening how many people believe what he says unequivocally. Stubborn and refuse to even recognize his behavior for what it is: self serving, juvenile, racist, sexist and yes, extremely disturbing. He doesn’t like you at all. He just wants your vote and will put the American people and the world,
In danger to get it. Any reasonably intelligent person can recognize this based on trumps own comments, ridiculous tweets, rages and unstable reactions to pressure. He distracts his followers from all this by his outrageous (untrue) and laughable hate
Speech. He strokes the part in you that wants validation for small mindedness, racism, and
fear for those who would disagree with you. Then claims to be a Christian. Is it because with trump, when you look in the mirror you finally see the part of you that reflects these
unacceptable beliefs and ideals? Turn off
The TV, get your face out of the internet and read a book.
David S. says
Agree 100% can’t say any more .
Circi says
@Gary– just because 50 million people believe a fooolish thing (as in right wing propaganda) it doesn’t make the belief any less foolish, delusional and down right dangerous!
Dedicated American says
Sandra L. You are spot on. It always amazes me that nothing negative is ever written about the Clintons or Obama. How did Obama make all his money to afford three multi million dollar homes. The Democrats are so wanting President Trumps income tax returns, what about Obama’s birth certificate and all his questionable college records. And all the questionable money the Clintons made after the horrific hurricane in Haiti (the Clinton Foundations) where the people lived and still live in deplorable conditions. Governor Cuomo was granted money from the Obama administration for respirators five years ago, but he decided to do what he felt was good for the resident of New York, he spent the money on solar panels and other GREEN ENERGY. The state of New York has been in the red financially for years. Oh, the Democrats have been running that state for many years. This situation with the Coronavirus is just the tip of the iceberg. We The People are in for a big surprise.
Jed says
You lost me at ‘Obama’s birth certificate’
Sherry says
trump- Manipulation of YOUR stimulus checks just to get “his” name printed on them. . . ! The height of narcissistic political campaigning!
The Treasury Department ordered that President Trump’s name be printed on stimulus checks being sent to millions of American workers impacted by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, The Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing senior IRS officials.
The move, which marks the first time a president’s name will appear on a disbursement from the IRS, will reportedly cause delays for some of the $1,200 payments Congress approved in the $2 trillion stimulus package last month, two senior agency officials told the newspaper.
The move to place Trump’s name on the checks came after the president privately suggested doing so to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the newspaper reported.
A president is not authorized to be a signer for legal disbursements by the U.S. Treasury, but administration officials said that Trump’s name would instead be featured below a line that reads, “Economic Impact Payment.”
Mike says
Then when you get your check, tear it up!!! Or send it back!!! Bet that you will not do that.
Gary R says
Big deal President Trump’s name is on the check. LOL. If you get direct deposit you don’t even see his name.
Mike Cocchiola says
“Fuehrer Trump”. Bet that just excites all loyal Trumplicans who in a heartbeat would turn our democratic republic into a dictatorship for Trump. Remember when you squealed your outrage when President Obama started using Executive Orders? You called him “King Obama”.
What happened with your loyalty to our country? When did you trade the U.S. Constitution for the Art of the Deal? Why did you “drain the swamp” and fill up the sewers?
uncursed says
Robjr , you said it . That is why he would be indicted with the rest of his crooks if he was not the sitting president .
Steve says
The Orange blow hard has you conned, brainless and in denial of Reality to continue to listen to the Corruptor in Chief
KKsays says
How many lips can he accommodate on his ass at any given time?
Edith Campins says
trump has blood on his hands. He ignored the information in the intelligence briefings in November. He held 9 rallies since January, he played golf 6 times. He ignored the pandemic handbok prepared to address just such an event. He cut the budget for the CDC. He eliminated the agency created to address pandemics. He cancelled the research being done jointly with China on infectious diseases. He lied and minimized the danger. He berated the governors who were doing their best to protect the people in their states. It is an indisputable fact that if he acted in a timely manner American lives would have been saved. Shame on those who still defend him.
David Schaefer says
Totally Agree
Gary R says
Did President Trump Cut the CDC Budget?
What’s True: The Trump administration’s proposed 2021 budget includes cuts to the CDC’s activities related to chronic disease.
What’s False: Congress hasn’t approved the budget, so CDC funding in 2021 remains unclear.
Pogo says
@Edith, Mike, Sherry – FlaglerLive – and the rest of us
Well said.
We have one president, and no leader. Plainly, the foul balls who follow trump, desantis, scott, rubio, et. al., are literally a death cult, e.g., they are inured to epidemic, (even pandemic) levels of pollution, disease, violence, profiteering, racketeering, white collar crime, etc., etc. as normal. Normal!
I sincerely hope that they all get together with each other, and get what they’ve earned very soon. As the dear pretender and phony-in-chief would say – big, beautifully, greatly, powerfully (that’s about all the words he knows – no?) and hang out. That would truly maga.
What do they have to lose?
KKsays says
Edith, you speak the absolute truth. Those who can continue to support Trump are apparently just as ignorant and self serving as he is.
Gary R says
Edith Campins – WRONG, wrong, wrong. If there were no virus in China would there be a virus here in USA? Think about that for awhile. China gave a rare admission of fault, admitting ‘deficiencies’ in its response to the Wuhan coronavirus that has now infected more than 20,000 people. The blood is on China NOT Trump. In fact, all of Trump’s budget proposals have called for cuts to CDC funding, but Congress has intervened each time by passing spending bills with year-over-year increases for the CDC that Trump then signed into law. Shame on those who don’t google information.
CNN: Stopping travel from China into the U.S. is racist!
CNN: Why didn’t you act sooner?
Democrats: tell people to use public transport and go to public events during a pandemic
New York: suffers from greater number of infections
Democrats: “it’s Trump’s fault somehow!”
Sherry says
The members of the FOX cult who continue to say “no one is to blame” most certainly would be singing a different tune if such horrific, life and death mistakes had happened during President Obama’s administration. Those exact same people would have been screaming at the top of their lungs for Obama to be thrown out of office. . . or worse. . . a noose comes to mind.
The buck stops with trump. . . . . like you always say, “he was elected president, get over it”!!!!!
Gary R says
Think Trump is ‘outrageous?’ He’s nothing compared to these past presidents https://nypost.com/2020/02/29/think-trump-is-outrageous-hes-nothing-compared-to-these-past-presidents/
NOTE: All are Democrats.
Edith_Campins says
Is your point that previous wrongs are an excuse for trump’s behavior? That excuse is usually what 5 year olds us. Intelligent people learn from their mistakes and those of others. They also learn from history.
Sherry says
Thank you for posting your FACTUAL information Florida Voter. The trouble is that too many in our community could care less about FACTS. Their FOX Cult has them mindlessly cutting and pasting misleading, out of context “talking points” that have nothing to do with anything but right winged “propaganda”.
Thank you POGO! Right back to you!
Hell yes, I’ll accept the stimulus $ directly into my bank account . . . without even seeing trump’s pathetic attempt to take credit for it. “I” understand that it came from action in the Congress. . . NOT trump! I also know the FACT that trump is doing everything he can to STOP any independent oversight for how the rest of that money is spent.
Then, I’ll “continue” to financially support wonderful Flaglerlive, the churches in Bunnell, PBS and many other charities. To top it all off, I’ll make a nice contribution to the DNC and Joe Biden’s campaign. . . along with supporting anyone who can get horrific McConnell out of office. Money well spent!
Gary R says
Joe Biden? LOL Biden couldn’t beat a kindergartner in Papers, Rock, Scissors. Biden would be just a puppet for the DNC. Democrats will have to do better to beat Trump. There you go again talking about Fox News the #1 network for 18 years. Boring!
Sherry says
FOX= POPULAR, BUT NOT VERY CREDIBLE, AND VERY RIGHT BIASED ! Give me FACTS every time!
Here is how they are ranked by mediabiasfactcheck:
Fox News – Right Bias – Republican – Conservative – Generally CredibleFactual Reporting: Mixed – Not always Credible or Reliable
RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
Overall, we rate Fox News strongly Right-Biased due to editorial positions and story selection that favors the right. We also rate them Mixed factually and borderline Questionable based on poor sourcing and the spreading of conspiracy theories that later must be retracted after being widely shared. Further, Fox News would be rated a Questionable source based on numerous failed fact checks by hosts and pundits, however straight news reporting is generally reliable, therefore we rate them Mixed for factual reporting.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 48/180
Gary R says
And, Politifact is a web site run by some left-wing journalists at the Tampa Bay Times. As you might expect from academic studies of media bias, their content might as well be written by the Democrat Party.
CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and Washington Post are NOT reliable. They are bias and opinionaters who hate Trump. The cult Trump hating trolls watch and read that BS. But, Nick Sandman is happy after winning his multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against CNN. Why did CNN make changes after revenue loss and tanking ratings?
Jim O says
Just the facts: ( taken from the Nextdoor website )
Oh! Mr. Reich was a horrible Labor Secretary and he has a little man complex.
Please note that every item here is 110% factual.
January 11: Chinese state media report the first known death from an illness originating in the Wuhan market. January 14: the WHO (World Health Organization) sent out a tweet declaring that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
January 15: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) holds a vote to send articles of impeachment to the Senate. Pelosi and House Democrats celebrate the “solemn” occasion with a signing ceremony, using commemorative pens. That same day, the first person with coronavirus in the United States arrives from China, where he had been in Wuhan.
January 21: The first American case of coronavirus is confirmed at a clinic in Snohomish County, Washington.
January 23: The House impeachment managers make their opening arguments for removing President Trump.
January 23: China closes off the city of Wuhan completely to slow the spread of coronavirus to the rest of China.
January 27: The White House convenes a special task force to deal with the emerging threat of coronavirus.
January 29: The president chairs a meeting of the White House coronavirus task force for the first time.
January 30: Senators begin asking two days of questions of both sides in the president’s impeachment trial.
January 30: The World Health Organization declares a global health emergency as coronavirus continues to spread.
January 31: The Senate holds a vote on whether to allow further witnesses and documents in the impeachment trial.
January 31: President Trump declares a national health emergency and imposes a ban on travel to and from China. Former Vice President Joe Biden calls Trump’s decision “hysterical xenophobia … and fear-mongering.” Sen. Chuck Schumer, speaking beside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said Trump was working to “manufacture a crisis, stoke fear and divert attention from the turmoil in his administration.” Party leader Tom Perez also called it “manufactured.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., described it as a “‘crisis’ that doesn’t exist.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted at the time that “we’re not falling” for the “fake crisis.”
February 2: The first death from coronavirus outside China is reported in the Philippines.
February 3: House impeachment managers begin closing arguments, calling Trump a threat to national security.
February 4: President Trump talks about coronavirus in his State of the Union address; Pelosi rips up every page. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released her official response to President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, slamming it as “a manifesto of mistruths.”
February 5: The Senate votes to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment, 52-48 and 53-47.
February 5: House Democrats finally take up coronavirus in the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia.
February 24: Nancy Pelosi tweets: You should come to Chinatown. It is safe in Chinatown. Everybody’s welcome. The food is delicious, the shops are prospering, the parade was great.
Edith Campins says
I notice your timeline does not include the 9 rallies and 6 times he played golf since January. Our own intelligence agencies briefings, which he doesn’t attend and he doesn’t read sounded the alarm in November. It doesn’t address the facts that he ignored the pandemic handbook prepared for just such an emergency. It doesn’t cover the fact that according to the official White House trancript of their own conference call, china and the rising death toll from the virus was the subject of discussion on January 31. It doesn’t adress the trump timeline of lies and misinformation. Your post is simply another effort to deflect from the facts.
uncursed says
Dear Jim O. you forgot the biggest fact . Trump would be indicted if he were not the sitting president and sitting in jail with the rest of the colluders . After Trump’s 3 year investigation into Hillary’s e-mails and Uranium one , she is clear &free of any wrongdoing . How do you like them apples . What he falsely accuses people of , he is the one committing the crimes . His Trump foundation was shut down and can no longer have a charity as he used it as a personal check book . He was fined for his Fraud Trump U. and had to pay those he defrauded . Dr. Fauci just dismissed the 3 quack doctors on Fox news for incorrect info on Laura Ingraham’s show . Democrats have passed over 400 bills partisan & bi-partisan in the House . The GOP senate has not even taken a vote on any . Instead of draining the swamp he multiplied it as much as he multiplied the debt before the Virus .
Sherry says
Great FOX style manipulated propaganda ! BIASED to the HILT! “Cherry Picked”! “Out of Context”! Nothing close to the whole truth!
Try something other than FOX. Try the AP News. . . anything with decent credentials!
Gary R says
Fox News is the number one news network for 18 years. Which means more people or aka cult members are watching Fox News, so why would they watch AP News? Because you said so? The real reason you are obsessed with Fox News is they are pro Trump. And, since you hate Trump you like to add Fox News in all your comments. I mean really?
palmcoaster says
Thank you Sherry and all the above for seeing like it is as his supporters gave us a current totalitarian regime were typically people dies and pay back and stealing runs rampant.
Sherry says
Home » Politifact
Politifact
LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biases sources.
Overall, this update reveals a slight leftward shift in Politifact’s fact checking selection, but not enough to move them from the least biased category.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 48/180
History
Founded in 2007 by the Tampa Bay Times, PolitiFact.com utilizes reporters and editors from the Times and affiliated media outlets to “fact-check statements by members of Congress, the White House, lobbyists and interest groups”. They publish original statements and their evaluations on the PolitiFact.com website, and assign each a “Truth-O-Meter” rating. The ratings range from “True” for completely accurate statements to “Pants on Fire” (from the taunt “Liar, liar, pants on fire”) for false and ridiculous claims. In 2018, Politifact became affiliated with the Poynter Institute.
According to their about page “In 2018, PolitiFact was acquired by the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit school for journalists. While PolitiFact relies on administrative support from the Poynter Institute, it is otherwise financially self-sustaining. PolitiFact receives support from online advertising, as well as revenue generated through content partnerships and from grants.”
Analysis / Bias
In review, Politifact has been called left biased by some right leaning sources. In fact, there is a source called Politifact Bias that is dedicated to pointing out Politifact’s biases. Politifact is also a signatory of the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN), which outlines a code principles for credible fact checkers.
Politifact uses minimal loaded language in their articles and headlines such as this: Trump falsely claims NATO countries owe United States money for defense spending. All information is well sourced to credible media and/or direct statements from experts in the field or the politicians themselves. Fact Check selection leans slightly left as more right wing politicians are currently fact checked. This may be due to bias or the fact that Republicans currently control all branches of government and hence there is more to check. In fact, there was a recent academic study done that shows Politifact employs minimal bias through wording.
Overall, this update reveals a slight leftward shift in Politifact’s fact checking selection, but not enough to move them from the least biased category. (7/10/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt (2/05/2020)
Sherry says
All “thinking” people should take a moment to read, and really absorb this psychological analysis of trump’s neurosis, and how detrimental it is to our people, our country and the world :
This Is What Happens When a Narcissist Runs a Crisis
by Jennifer Senior
The New York Times
Since the early days of the Trump administration, an impassioned group of mental health professionals have warned the public about the president’s cramped and disordered mind, a darkened attic of fluttering bats. Their assessments have been controversial. The American Psychiatric Association’s code of ethics expressly forbids its members from diagnosing a public figure from afar.
Enough is enough. As I’ve argued before, an in-person analysis of Donald J. Trump would not reveal any hidden depths – his internal sonar could barely fathom the bottom of a sink – and these are exceptional, urgent times. Back in October, George T. Conway III, the conservative lawyer and husband of Kellyanne, wrote a long, devastating essay for The Atlantic, noting that Trump has all the hallmarks of narcissistic personality disorder. That disorder was dangerous enough during times of prosperity, jeopardizing the moral and institutional foundations of our country.
But now we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. The president’s pathology is endangering not just institutions, but lives.
Let’s start with the basics. First: Narcissistic personalities like Trump harbor skyscraping delusions about their own capabilities. They exaggerate their accomplishments, focus obsessively on projecting power, and wish desperately to win.
What that means, during this pandemic: Trump says we’ve got plenty of tests available, when we don’t. He declares that Google is building a comprehensive drive-thru testing website, when it isn’t. He sends a Navy hospital ship to New York and it proves little more than an excuse for a campaign commercial, arriving and sitting almost empty in the Hudson. A New York hospital executive calls it a joke.
Second: The grandiosity of narcissistic personalities belies an extreme fragility, their egos as delicate as foam. They live in terror of being upstaged. They’re too thin skinned to be told they’re wrong.
What that means, during this pandemic: Narcissistic leaders never have, as Trump likes to say, the best people. They have galleries of sycophants. With the exceptions of Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx, Trump has surrounded himself with a Z-team of dangerously inexperienced toadies and flunkies – the bargain-bin rejects from Filene’s Basement – at a time when we require the brightest and most imaginative minds in the country.
Faced with a historic public health crisis, Trump could have assembled a first-rate company of disaster preparedness experts. Instead he gave the job to his son-in-law, a man-child of breathtaking vapidity. Faced with a historic economic crisis, Trump could have assembled a team of Nobel-prize winning economists or previous treasury secretaries. Instead he talks to Larry Kudlow, a former CNBC host.
Meanwhile, Fauci and Birx measure every word they say like old-time apothecaries, hoping not to humiliate the narcissist – never humiliate a narcissist – while discreetly correcting his false hopes and falsehoods. They are desperately attempting to create a safe space for our president, when the president should be creating a safer nation for all of us.
Third: Narcissistic personalities love nothing more than engineering conflict and sowing division. It destabilizes everyone, keeps them in control.
What that means, during this pandemic: Trump is pitting state against state for precious resources, rather than coordinating a national response. (“It’s like being on eBay,” complained Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York last week.) His White House is a petty palace of competing power centers. He picks fights with Democratic officials and members of the press, when all the public craves is comfort.
Narcissistic personalities don’t do comfort. They cannot fathom the needs of other hearts.
Fourth: Narcissistic personalities are vindictive. On a clear day, you can see their grudges forever.
What that means, during this pandemic: Trump is playing favorites with governors who praise him and punishing those who fail to give him the respect he believes he deserves. “If they don’t treat you right, don’t call,” he told Vice President Mike Pence.
His grudge match with New York is now especially lethal. When asked on Friday whether New York will have enough ventilators, Trump bluntly answered “No,” and then blamed the state.
And most relevant, as far as history is concerned: Narcissistic personalities are weak.
What that means, during this pandemic: Trump is genuinely afraid to lead. He can’t bring himself to make robust use of the Defense Production Act, because the buck would stop with him. (To this day, he insists states should be acquiring their own ventilators.) When asked about delays in testing, he said, “I don’t take responsibility at all.” During Friday’s news conference, he added the tests “we inherited were “broken, were obsolete,” when this form of coronavirus didn’t even exist under his predecessor.
This sounds an awful lot like one of the three sentences that Homer Simpson swears will get you through life: “It was like that when I got here.”
Most people, even the most hotheaded and difficult ones, have enough space in their souls to set aside their anger in times of crisis. Think of Rudolph Giuliani during Sept. 11. Think of Andrew Cuomo now.
But every aspect of Trump’s crisis management has been annexed by his psychopathology. As Americans die, he boasts about his television ratings. As Americans die, he crows that he’s No. 1 on Facebook, which isn’t close to true.
But it is true that all eyes are on him. He’s got a captive audience, an attention-addict’s dream come to life. It’s just that he, like all narcissistic personalities, has no clue how disgracefully – how shamefully, how deplorably – he’ll be enshrined in memory.
Sherry says
Thanks so very much for proving my point: The FOX mindless cult cares nothing for the facts!