Senators react to Woodward Book on Trump

Several Republican senators at the Capitol declined to comment on details from reporting from journalist Bob Woodward, telling reporters they hadn't yet read his new book, even when informed of key passages about the virus.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he hadn't looked at the book yet. "That's a good question for the White House," he said.

President Donald Trump talked privately about the severity of the coronavirus threat even as he was telling the nation the virus was no worse than the seasonal flu and insisting the government had it totally under control, according to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward.

“You just breathe the air and that’s how it’s passed,” Trump said in a Feb. 7 call with Woodward. “And so that’s a very tricky one. That’s a very delicate one. It’s also more deadly than even your strenuous flus.”

“This is deadly stuff,” the president repeated for emphasis. His comments were recorded by Woodward, and audio has been released.

"There is damning truth that President Trump lied and people died," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

The New York senator said when he thinks about how many people in his state died, "It just makes me angry."

Schumer said, "How many people would be alive today if he just told Americans the truth?"

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D - Mass., who spoke at a press conference with Schumer on Wednesday also slammed the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy saying he's a "handmaiden" to Trump.

"But the American people have seen it and they don't like it in terms of voting," she said.