Published 15:21 IST, March 13th 2020
'Trump did not push for Coronavirus testing fearing effect on his re-election': US reports
NPR), on Thursday, has reported that President Donald Trump had allegedly not pushed for increased testing for COVID-19 due to fears of it affecting re-election
Advertisement
In a major development, US government news ncy National Public Rio (NPR), on Thursday, has reported that President Donald Trump h allegedly t pushed for increased testing for pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to fears of increased numbers affecting his re-election in vember. Politico reporter Dan Diamond h revealed to NPR in an interview that ministration itself h taken steps to cushion fallout due to Coronavirus informing Trump that " lower numbers on coronavirus… better for his potential reelection”. As of date, US has seen 1215 cases of positive cases and 36 total deaths, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Advertisement
Trump downplayed Coronavirus testing: reports
In interview to NPR, Diamond revealed that United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar - a former pharmaceutical industry lobbyist, h warned Trump ministration in January about big problem coronavirus could pose. Moreover, Trump aides - like Kellyanne Conway h blocked Azar. aides h reportedly warned about effect higher number of positive cases will have on his reelection bid.
Advertisement
Trump on Coronavirus
Trump - a self-proclaimed germaphobe, himself has downplayed Coronavirus situation in US claiming that “So last year 37,000 Americans died from common Flu”. He ded, “It avers between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. thing is shut down, life & ecomy go on. At this moment re are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!” While he has since n changed his stance taking a more protectionist view, closing borders, Trump has publically many times blamed China and Democrats 'for spreing Corona hoax'.
Advertisement
Trump's 2020 re-election bid
Trump was recently impeached by US Congress and n acquitted by Senate for soliciting a foreign power - Ukraine's - help in his 2020 re-election bid by withholding military aid to Ukraine unless Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky me a public anuncement of a probe into former Vice-president Joe Biden. He will face Democratic presidential minee in vember. Currently, Biden les pack garnering 881 delegates over Bernie Sanders's 725 delegates in Democratic primary elections.
Advertisement
15:21 IST, March 13th 2020