President Trump is currently touring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. He urged Americans to remain calm even as the news media overhypes the virus outbreak in the U.S.
Trump downplayed the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak that killed 11 people — all middle aged or elderly — on the West Coast.
“We have 240 cases — most of those people are going to be fine,” Trump told reporters at the CDC. “We’ve had 11 deaths and they’ve been largely old people who are susceptible to what’s happening.”
Trump, who wore his red campaign cap, compared the Coronavirus casualties to the common flu, noting that over 30,000 people have died from the flu this season — but the media won’t report that.
“The common flu kills people and old people… the interesting thing here — it’s very interesting… the young seem to be doing unbelievably well, actually better than they do with the flu.”
Trump said he is not big on handshaking, but he said he shakes hands because he’s a politician. “I feel very secure,” he said.
The White House canceled Trump’s planned visit to the CDC earlier today due to a report that a CDC employee tested positive for the virus. But Trump explained that the employe tested negative, so the trip was back on.
He said the Secret Service worked out the logistics so he could visit the CDC to thank scientists for their hard work on his way to Florida.
In response to a question about canceling his campaign rallies, Trump said he’s not planning to cancel his rallies. “It doesn’t bother me at all and it doesn’t bother them,” he said, referring to his supporters who pack arenas to attend his rallies.
Governor Brian Kemp, who accompanied Trump on his tour of the CDC, urged people to wash their hands and stay home if they feel sick.
Trump just canceled his trip to the CDC in Atlanta today. The Wall Street Journal says he might still come today. Guess what? Either way are still sending the billboard truck. Retweet and chip in here: https://t.co/a14MXRA0hf pic.twitter.com/hUvGOuKN3D
— Nabilah Islam for Congress (@NabilahforGA07) March 6, 2020
Neither MSNBC nor CNN are carrying President Trump’s remarks addressing the Coronavirus from the CDC live. pic.twitter.com/ptNWS6EKwI
— Francis Brennan (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@FrancisBrennan) March 6, 2020
Just Trump wearing a campaign hat & using the CDC while it's in the midst of a health crisis as a re-election prop pic.twitter.com/SniqBGi8RF
— Adam Blickstein (@AdamBlickstein) March 6, 2020
Trump is currently touring the CDC amidst a global health crisis while wearing a hat for his re-election campaign. pic.twitter.com/eVCoI4jXO7
— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) March 6, 2020