Source: ABC
Trump and COVID-19: The Coronavirus Pandemic in America
“We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.” President Donald Trump
Right from the start President Donald Trump has sent confusing and sometimes contradictory messages about the danger posed by the deadly outbreak of COVID-19.
“My administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat.” President Donald Trump
More than a million Americans have been infected and over 60,000 people have died. And as the crisis has escalated, the President has gone to war with the leaders of many of the worst affected areas.
“We sort of knew that he had an intent of downplaying what was an emerging problem that could only be explained by someone who had their eye on the Dow Jones rather than an eye on the epidemiological curve.” Democrat Governor
On Monday Four Corners brings you the story of how the pandemic began in the United States and the struggle authorities have had to bring it under control.
“Because we’ve lacked the federal leadership we needed, it’s been mayor versus mayor, city versus city, state versus state, trying to get access to the limited resources to protect our communities…all of that has become this ‘Hunger Games’ process.” Mayor
The story, from the American Frontline program, traces the halting federal response, identifying early warnings and missed opportunities to potentially save lives as the outbreak spread.
“Research and implementation laboratories said, ‘This doesn’t work. You’ve given us a bogus kit, and we’re not going to use it. Fix it, fast, or give us the right to use our own kits.’” Author
In Washington State, where the first coronavirus case in the United States was detected, the leadership is scathing of the slow response from the White House.
“I felt like at the time I lived in two different worlds. I lived here in Washington State, where people were going, ‘Oh, my gosh, we have a problem,’ and in Washington, D.C., where they’d say, ‘Oh, you guys worry too much out on the West Coast.” Senior Democrat Senator
As the pandemic gathered pace, states have struggled to obtain the equipment they need.
“We’re dependent on sewing circles to supply our frontline heroes with what they need. It may be a nice American story. I find it pathetic.” Former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary
Now, even as the shocking death toll continues to rise, the President is calling on the states to reopen for business, but they say they won’t be pushed into a decision that could have catastrophic consequences.
“We are not going to be distracted by any rhetoric that the President or anyone else uses. Facts and science. That’s the only thing that’s going to get us through this.” Mayor
It is replayed on Tuesday 12th May at 1.00pm and Wednesday 13th at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iView and at abc.net.au/4corners.
