world

Trump angrily defends his handling of pandemic

71 Comments
By JILL COLVIN and JONATHAN LEMIRE

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


71 Comments

Comments have been disabled You can no longer respond to this thread.

Insensible. Let me pull a conservative: You know what I mean!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

It’s sooooo insensible to expect the president to answer questions to help Americans in a time of uncertainty (that has been exacerbated by Donny’s incompetence).

8 ( +8 / -0 )

I disagree

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

Everyone is either scared or tensed up, he’s been and well as his medical staff have been talking for weeks now what they should do and how to qualm their fears and out of a million questions he couldn’t ask something more sensible?

It was a sensible question.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Another day, another Trump bashing article. The pattern is so predicatable: an unflattering photo of Trump, a biased article twisting the latest news into an anti-Trump narrative, and our usual crowd in the readers section adding their "Donny" bashing slogans.

What else is new.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

The failures are the Trump supporters trying to justify his actions and words. The journalist in the news conference asked a rightful question but not one Trump liked so reacted like a school yard bully does

 “What do you say to Americans, who are watching you right now, who are scared?”

No, he did not, he was being a total.....he just want to troll the President, there were other REAL reporters that asked legitimate questions and this joker was wasn’t one of those.

Everyone is either scared or tensed up, he’s been and well as his medical staff have been talking for weeks now what they should do and how to qualm their fears and out of a million questions he couldn’t ask something more sensible?

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Which Conway, the one who works for Trump and the first to call it alternative facts

I thought you meant her crazy husband that continuously lie on the President daily.

Trump supporters wiggling like worms trying to defend his actions and fail doing it but if it was any other president doing the same, they would be the first to shoot him down

Fail? What are you talking about, he didn’t fail anything, maybe slow coming out of the gate, but fail, not at all.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at reporters and broke with his own health officials on the science of the outbreak.

Lovely.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The consequences of putting a foolish megalomaniac in the White House have not been good so far, and are going to get much worse.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Glad he told off that idiot reporter kudos to him, what nerve.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Is that what they call alt facts by Conway

Depends on which Conway we’re talking about?

Trump even lies about lies.

Now compare that to the media that gives lying a whole meaning.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

"You can’t become a millionaire for doing nothing..."

Actually you can if you inherit a great amount of money.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I look at what’s happening in Europe and USA and I feel fortunate to have Abe, at least he seems to get it under control

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

tough times!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In a press conference Friday outlining several new actions the U.S. government is taking during the new coronavirus spread, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the leader of the State Department, took the lectern. "Or as they like to call it, the Deep State Department," Trump said before Pompeo stepped up.

Someone needs to tell the President we have a pandemic that has so far killed 150 people and has locked down three states. And that our State Dept is spearheading coordination with other countries to fight the virus. Save us more conspiracy theories and failed jokes...

Pompeo, who tends to agree with Trump's far-right tendencies, seemed to take no issue with the term that connotes the U.S. government is actually run by shady political forces behind the scenes. But Dr. Anthony Fauci, Trump's top coronavirus adviser, rejected his own advice and put his head in his hand after the president threw out the comment.

We know Dr Fauci, we all think he is an Idiot and a danger to the country...

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The stress is clearly showing...he can't even reply to a simple, non-threatening question without melting down. 

Every President has their moment of crisis of course it’s stressful, you think Lincoln and Roosevelt looked relaxed? Come on now...

I don't know about Lincoln and Roosevelt, but Donnie is looking more and more like a haggard, defeated Nixon...

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Trump wouldn't know what leadership is even if it came in a Big Mac wrapper inside a Stormy Daniels DVD case...

9 ( +10 / -1 )

The difference between Lincoln and Roosevelt and Donny is that Donny had a hand in creating the situation in which he currently finds himself and his unstoppable mouth.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

For those f you excusing Donny’s lying because he truly believes what he says at the time, how about this: the president educated himself before opening his mouth. Is that really too much to ask of the leader of our country?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Trump mentioned with Lincoln and Roosevelt? ROFL

BINGO!

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Dear lord! Further evidence that Trillion Dollar Deficit Donny is completely incompetent and unfit for office. Smh.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

@basf4 Every President has their moment of crisis of course it’s stressful, you think Lincoln and Roosevelt looked relaxed? Come on now...

Trump mentioned with Lincoln and Roosevelt? ROFL

10 ( +10 / -0 )

The stress is clearly showing...he can't even reply to a simple, non-threatening question without melting down. 

Every President has their moment of crisis of course it’s stressful, you think Lincoln and Roosevelt looked relaxed? Come on now...

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

Quick translation: If you are a trucker that is directly helping transport needed supplies for coronavirus, forget about the sleep limitations, mileage limitations, log book limitations and everything else that annoys the hell out of truckers and JUST GET IT THERE.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I found the emergency declaration being given to all essential truckers now. it is well worth a read.

Truckers are getting emergency coronavirus instructions they were apparently told were confidential. And I found a direct link to an unsecured copy.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2020-03/EXPANDED%20EMERGENCY%20DECLARATION%20UNDER%2049%20CFR%20%C2%A7%20390.23%20No.%202020-002.pdf

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If Donny shuts up and lets the experts do their job, the country will recover faster.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

I just saw the exchange Browny1 quoted.

A reasonable question was greeted with a personal insult, then trash talk about a network and finally grandstanding.

This is almost all his full range of abilities.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Is anyone really taking this guy seriously? It’s just entertainment and reality TV, isn’t it?

I hope Americans now realize that voting has consequences.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

I don’t see it as lying, I think it’s often what he truly believes

George Costanza says the same thing.

It's not a lie... if you believe it..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn_PSJsl0LQ

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The very worst person to have in charge-a childish, petulant, narcissist who sees everything through the prism of self interest.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Trump was given an opportunity to make an FDR-style call for unity against "the invisible enemy" and he couldn't keep his cool and say something to help people who are seriously worried about what the next few months will bring. A lack of preparation and forethought is sadly on display here.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Another rambling press conference lead by an idiot! His own people can't even hold back how ridiculous he is!

Top coronavirus doctor puts head in hands when Trump mentions 'Deep State Department' at briefing

https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-coronavirus-doctor-puts-head-174500946.html

You know a leader is terrible and incompetent when Dr. Anthony Fauci, tRump's top coronavirus adviser, is willing to commit pandemic suicide by touching his face on national TV.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Exactly, browny1!

It was a softball question that Pence handled presidentially, with, “Don't be afraid, be vigilant."

Meanwhile the actual president makes sensational accusations,... about sensationalism. He's very far out of his depth. This isn't a reality show. Your nation deserves better than catchphrases at a time like this.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Once again The Boy cannot read a situation and sees everything as threat to himself.

A cut and paste of the full Q&A and further apt comment.

ALEXANDER: What do you say to Americans who are watching you right now who are scared?

TRUMP: I say that you’re a terrible reporter, that’s what I say. … I think it’s a very nasty question, and I think it’s a very bad signal that you’re putting out to the American people. The American people are looking for answers and they’re looking for hope, and you’re doing sensationalism, and the same with NBC and Con-cast. I don’t call it Comcast, I call it Con-cast. Let me just say something, that’s really bad reporting. And you ought to get back to reporting instead of sensationalism. Let’s see if it works. It might and it might not. I happen to feel good about it, but who knows? I’ve been right a lot. Let’s see what happens.

*That’s what pressers have become under Trump. This was a softball thrown by Peter Alexander so Trump was handed an opportunity to score the easiest of points, and all Trump had to do was say something like “You’ll be fine if you follow the precautions” or even just “Don’t be scared.”*

But being the cringeworthy child he is, Trump....??? How many times now has he used the expressions "terrible reporter & nasty question"? Grow up.

No trumpeteers can spin this to their advantage.

Pence's considered response to the same question, “Don't be afraid, be vigilant."

14 ( +16 / -2 )

He’s not cut out for things like this.

He’s very limited as a leader.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

The man's not even a good liar. He can't keep his stories straight from one day to the next.

Totally unfit for office. Anyone defending this buffoon now deserves whatever they get.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Trump is literally afraid of the Coronavirus, fear he may contract it

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Trump has BS-ed his way through life but things have caught up with him now. When people start dying and he can't answer simple questions, he knows he's in trouble. An actual major crisis is occurring and Trump has no clue what to do. He can't attack people on Twitter because it's a virus. He is a lost cause and this crisis is showing everyone what he is made of. He made light of Covid-19 from the beginning and now look at the result. Even emergency room surgeons can' t get enough masks in the US. This is a failure of monumental proportions and the buck stops with the POTUS as it has (and should) with every other POTUS in history.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Trump angrily this, Trump angrily that. At the end of the day, his playbook his pretty limited, isn't it? What an emotionally stunted man.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

I don’t see it as lying, I think it’s often what he truly believes, so should he be careful what he sometimes says, I think so, but lying to deceive? No.

It would be so awesome to have a president where such explanations for him saying stuff that is demonstrably false all the time weren’t necessary.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Trump goofed up plain and simple and continues doing so, albeit in smaller ways now.

It doesn't matter. His base believes him hook, line and sinker, so in Trump World it works. Like a St. Bernard in a fine china shop, he continues on his merry way knocking everything down.

It is funny watching him disagree with the doctors about the Corona virus on live TV.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

A shining example of how narcissists behave when they feel cornered.

A prime example of the president’s massive underlying insecurity.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

The stress is clearly showing...he can't even reply to a simple, non-threatening question without melting down.

Sure has taken quite a turn from his initial comments that the virus was "contained" and "everyone should go to work"...

One has to wonder how much better prepared and how much quicker we could have responded if Trump hadn't abolished the Office of Pandemic Preparedness...

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Could be worse... we could have a Democrat as president.

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

You've got to sympathize with people like Dr. Fauci and the head of the FDA who have to speak immediately after the clown and repudiate everything that's just dribbled from his mouth.

I don’t see it as lying, I think it’s often what he truly believes, so should he be careful what he sometimes says, I think so, but lying to deceive? No.

-17 ( +3 / -20 )

Unbelievable performance from the clueless Trump. The reporter tosses him a dolly but instead of making reassuring, presidential noises the buffoon throws a wobbler. Trump doesn't understand what's happening at all, so his response is simply to lie through his teeth.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/20/trump-coronavirus-question-attack-reporter-over-fears

You've got to sympathize with people like Dr. Fauci and the head of the FDA who have to speak immediately after the clown and repudiate everything that's just dribbled from his mouth.

https://twitter.com/Walldo/status/1241044023445524481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1241044023445524481&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fus-news%2F2020%2Fmar%2F20%2Ftrump-coronavirus-question-attack-reporter-over-fears

16 ( +20 / -4 )

The real problem is not so much his whiny, defensive attitude, but more what is behind it. He clearly has no idea what his policies are and is just making it upon the fly as he is questioned about it, hence the incoherent and inconsistent answers (and his annoyance at being pressed on these).

He really is the last guy in the world you would want in charge at a time like this.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

Just look at the picture. He has a face like a smacked arse.

’The incredible sulk’.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

"I think it's a very bad signal that you're putting out to the American people,” he added. "The American people are looking for answers and they're looking for hope. And you’re doing sensationalism.”

In a nutshell.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

I mean, even de Blasio and that Omar, “AOC” and Bill de Blasio are praising the President for ordering businesses to provide assistance via wartime powers. That’s authoritarian and it violates constitutionally protected private property rights. what’s happening here?!

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

Trump became a US$440,000,000.-aire by dint of birth, i.e. by doing zip.

And later started real estate, repaid the loan, built an empire, a media brand, properties all over the world, NYT Bestsellers and 14 years led NBC (short memories) to number one ratings on the highest watched show. Pretty impressive. But once again, the socialists just hate the fact that his father, how dare he help his children. Funny.

-17 ( +3 / -20 )

Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a National Emergency 5 times faster than Barack did for the H1N1 breakout.

Don't give me this nonsense that he is doing a poor job.

He could singlehandedly cure coronavirus and the media would find fault, simply because they hate him.

How pitiful the so-called journalists have become.

-15 ( +5 / -20 )

think it's a very bad signal that you're putting out to the American people,” he added. "The American people are looking for answers and they're looking for hope. And you’re doing sensationalism.”

He makes a good point amongst the rambling.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

@bas4You can’t become a millionaire for doing nothing. Lol

Trump became a US$440,000,000.-aire by dint of birth, i.e. by doing zip.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Amazing these people, even in times like these, the only thing that’s important to them is to politicize the issue as much as they can.

That's a perspective, which of course those living in democracies are privileged to have, especially when the free, for-profit press gives them space to do so Those living in democracies are fortunate issues can be politicized. Which to those who believe in democracies is preferable to living in an authoritarian system where the state limits all discussions.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

George W Bush seemed educated and honest, in comparison.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Someone who never earns for his living is incompetent and doesn't like to be blamed, the epitome of spoiled American.

You can’t become a millionaire for doing nothing. Lol

-22 ( +5 / -27 )

Someone who never earns for his living is incompetent and doesn't like to be blamed, the epitome of spoiled American.

15 ( +20 / -5 )

Christ almighty, this man-child is just not up to being a leader of any third world country and it's time his supporters face reality. Every single time he says something in the press conference, the real experts take over the podium literally the next minute and contradict every thing he says.

calling it the "China virus" and telling people to blame China.

He's been caught using his sharpie again.

The president told Schumer he would and then could be heard on the telephone yelling to someone in his office to do it now

Eyes rolling. Is this what he means when he deserves ten out of ten for his handling of the pandemic? I'm sure your friend, Kim Jong Un, is doing just as well.

17 ( +23 / -6 )

So typical of Trump. He has his own media (see Fox 'news', especially Hannity and Ingraham, plus Limbaugh, etal etc etc) covering up his lies and bungles while attacking outlets that directly quote Trump's lies.

Trump doesn’t have a media. The only difference with FNC they’re more objective and don’t take a visceral and emotional attack approach, there are plenty of Pundits on FNC that have criticized Trump when it was justified and praised him when it was justified, whereas the liberal networks just pile on and on and on and won’t give this credit for anything, not one thing, even when people like Newsom and Cuomo praise Trump For handling this crisis, the msm will still try to distort the comments from these men even though they were specific in their comments about the President.

When Trump lies (see 'It's not a pandemic' then 'I called it a pandemic all along') his media lie right along with him.

No, he was called out heavily by a lot of conservative media making that statement.

They cater to their market who want to believe their messiah can do no wrong. But that's to be expected when democracies have a free, for-profit press. Fortunately individuals living under democracies have any number of outlets reporting events from a variety of perspectives to choose from. Unlike China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia where the authoritarian powers decide how news is presented

Beg your pardon? The msm are so obsessed with getting this President and have been since he took office if they can attack him on even having an opinion, get him. Even when he puts his medical staff in front and stays silent. The msm can’t have that! They have to continue their political jihad and find something to attack him on. Amazing these people, even in times like these, the only thing that’s important to them is to politicize the issue as much as they can.

-21 ( +6 / -27 )

The worst things Trump did during this situation was give an incredible amount of misinformation which led to multiple occasions where government organizations had to issue separate news conferences to give out the correct information. But none of that compares to how he's endangered the lives of millions of Americans by going on live TV and calling it the "China virus" and telling people to blame China. Since that moment, I've known several people who have been verbally assaulted or treated differently even at their place of work because of Trump's word choices.

18 ( +24 / -6 )

“I say that you’re a terrible reporter,” Trump responded.

So typical of Trump. He has his own media (see Fox 'news', especially Hannity and Ingraham, plus Limbaugh, etal etc etc) covering up his lies and bungles while attacking outlets that directly quote Trump's lies. When Trump lies (see 'It's not a pandemic' then 'I called it a pandemic all along') his media lie right along with him. They cater to their market who want to believe their messiah can do no wrong. But that's to be expected when democracies have a free, for-profit press. Fortunately individuals living under democracies have any number of outlets reporting events from a variety of perspectives to choose from. Unlike China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia where the authoritarian powers decide how news is presented.

18 ( +24 / -6 )

Trump never likes it when he gets called out (something he loves doing everyday on his twitter account).

16 ( +25 / -9 )

What a baby this painting buffoon is.

"Say nice things or I will call you names"

25 ( +33 / -8 )

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites