In a new book by Journalist Bob Woodward, which was released on Wednesday, September 9, there are claims that Donald Trump misled the American Public on the dangers of COCID-19.
However, Trump has been on the defensive while the book claims that far back in February Trump knew how deadly the disease is but yet told the Americans that its not worse than a flu.
In a Feb. 7 call with Woodward, Trump said of the virus: “You just breathe the air and that’s how it’s passed. 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,”
While three days later, Mr Trump said: “I think the virus is going to be — it’s going to be fine.”
According to Trump, he told he told Woodward in March that his public rhetoric was part of a strategy to deliberately minimize the danger. “I wanted to always play it down,” the president said. “I still like playing it down because I don’t want to create a panic.”
Trump has now defended himself saying, he was just being a “cheerleader” for the nation and trying to keep everyone calm.
Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged he downplayed the virus, insisting he was trying to strengthen Americans and the world.
“The fact is I’m a cheerleader for this country. I love our country and I don’t want people to be frightened. I don’t want to create panic, as you say,” Trump told reporters.
“Certainly, I’m not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy. We want to show confidence. We want to show strength.”
