‘Totally under control’: Trump and coronavirus, in his own words
- Donald Trump is among over 7.2 million people in the US who have tested positive for the virus. More than 200,000 have died
- He has spent months playing down the severity of the pandemic, blamed others and given mixed messages about wearing masks
While facing sharp criticism for his response to an outbreak that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States alone, the president has touted his management of the crisis.
Here is a timeline of some of his comments.
January 22 to CNBC: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.”
January 24 tweet: “China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”
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US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump test positive for Covid-19
February 23 to reporters: “We’re very much involved. We’re very – very cognisant of everything going on. We have it very much under control in this country.”