Donald Trump spreads blame and confusion, as US politicians and groups try to cope with outbreak of Coronavirus.
In a nationally-televised address from the White House, Trump read in a monotone from a teleprompter script largely written by his xenophobic advisor Stephen Miller. But he mangled passages about the central measures, adding to the uncertainty around his Administration’s actions.
Trump said that he was “suspending all travel from Europe to the United States” for 30 days and that the ban would “apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo” entering the US.
Amid immediate concern about Americans abroad and the economic fallout, officials had to clarify that the ban did not apply to US citizens, their closest relatives, or legal residents. Nor did it apply to goods and cargo, as Trump had to admit in a Twitter correction.
Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countries & businesses to know that trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe. The restriction stops people not goods.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2020
Trump also indicated that insurance would waive copayments for treatment of all Coronovirus conditions. The White House later said the coverage applied only to testing.
Beyond the confused announcements, Trump and Miller focused on blame of Europeans as well as China for the “foreign virus” which, because of their supposed failure, led to “seeding” of the illness in the US. Trump maintained that criticism of him was a “hoax”.
At the same time, Trump tried to maintain his all-is-well position that has hindered an effective Administration response in the growing crisis: “The virus will not have a chance against us.” He said it is a “temporary moment in time”.
Acting While Trump Fumbles
With no effective lead from the White House, others acted.
The National Basketball Association is suspending its season after one of its players tested positive. The NCAA’s iconic March Madness university basketball tournament will be played behind closed doors. Schools, universities, businesses, theaters, and sports stadia announced closures or limited service.
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York announced the shift of universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students, to online instruction.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State, where there have been 29 of the 37 deaths recorded in the US, banned any gatherings of 250 or more people in three counties, and Seattle’s schools will close for two weeks.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel services this weekend.
Late-night shows of TV hosts such as Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee are taping without audiences. The New York Times is among businesses telling employees to work from home. Washington National Cathedral suspended congregations for two weeks, offering a “virtual service”.
Even Trump had to give way on his all-is-well line that he will continue holding rallies and shaking hands. He cancelled plans to travel to Las Vegas for a conference of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Stock Market Drops Again; Hanks Tests Positive
Showing a lack of faith in Trump’s insistence that “this is not a financial crisis”, the stock market continued to plummet on Wednesday. The Dow Jones average lost almost 6% to close at 23,553, compared with 29,348 on February 19. The S&P 500 shed another 5%, having lost almost 20% in the same period.
In contrast to Trump’s attempt to minimize the virus, the Administration’s top medical expert told a Congressional that a widespread outbreak is inevitable.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, emphasized — in a counter to the declaration by Trump supporters that Coronavirus is the same as the common flu — that the novel virus is 10 times more lethal.
“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Fauci said “We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” citing basketball games as a an example.
Hours later, the NBA announced its suspension of the season. Meanwhile, Fauci’s testimony was cut short as the White House called him back for meetings.
And Trump’s speech was overshadowed by the announcement of another prominent American. Actor Tom Hanks wrote that he and his wife Rita Wilson had tested positive.
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) March 12, 2020
Back in Washington, Trump gave sigh of relief that he had made it through his speech:
That moment C-SPAN didn’t realize they were broadcasting still…. pic.twitter.com/eoO2pgzCQt
— Burt Macklin (@knoweyedentity) March 12, 2020