In a breathtakingly craven interview with Axios’ Jonathan Swan released last night, President Donald Trump provided a new window into his lack of empathy for Americans struggling with the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19 and his own abject failure in handling the virus.
After being asked about the 1,000 Americans dying each day, the President responded with a glib, “They are dying, that’s true … it is what it is.”
He continued by conceding that, “But that doesn’t mean we aren’t doing everything we can. It’s under control as much as you can control it.” It was a stunning admission proving his Administration is fundamentally incapable of confronting this crisis, given the rest of the world has far exceeded the United States in its ability and willingness to get a handle on coronavirus.
In response, Protect Our Care’s Coronavirus War Room Director Zac Petkanas released the following statement:
“There is no longer any doubt that Donald Trump has waved the white flag of surrender in the fight against coronavirus.
“However, his shocking comment, ‘it is what it is,’ should come as no surprise to anyone paying attention. Since the beginning, it has been the driving attitude of Donald Trump’s pandemic response.
“As the death toll climbed and hospitals became overwhelmed with patients he continued to downplay the danger, ignore the experts, mock the need to wear facemasks and rush states and schools to reopen regardless of the danger on the ground.
“Now, with more than 156,000 Americans dead, 4.7 million infections and millions laid off following historic, catastrophic economic collapse –– the only response Trump can muster is a shrug and a brush off.
“It is not acceptable for Trump to just give in to a virus that’s gotten out of control because of his own botched response.
“The American people have sacrificed too much for the White House to just throw in the towel as the virus surges across the country. They deserve decisive action from their leaders to stop the spread of the disease, and, short of that, a little empathy for their lost loved ones.”