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White House Mounts Heated Attack on a U.S. Government Media Voice White House Mounts Heated Attack on a U.S. Government Media Voice
(about 3 hours later)
WASHINGTON — The White House lobbed a bizarre broadside against Voice of America this week, using one of its popular communications channels to accuse the United States-funded foreign news broadcaster of amplifying Chinese propaganda.WASHINGTON — The White House lobbed a bizarre broadside against Voice of America this week, using one of its popular communications channels to accuse the United States-funded foreign news broadcaster of amplifying Chinese propaganda.
The post appeared Thursday on “1600 Daily,” an events summary produced by the White House digital team. The charges hurled at the 75-year-old broadcaster seemed so overheated that some readers worried that hackers had infiltrated the White House’s networks.The post appeared Thursday on “1600 Daily,” an events summary produced by the White House digital team. The charges hurled at the 75-year-old broadcaster seemed so overheated that some readers worried that hackers had infiltrated the White House’s networks.
But Dan Scavino Jr., President Trump’s social media director, echoed the claims on Twitter.But Dan Scavino Jr., President Trump’s social media director, echoed the claims on Twitter.
“American taxpayers — paying for China’s very own propaganda, via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!!” Mr. Scavino wrote in sharing a V.O.A. post about a light show in China on Wednesday. The light show marked the reopening of Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus was first detected, which had been locked down for months.“American taxpayers — paying for China’s very own propaganda, via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!!” Mr. Scavino wrote in sharing a V.O.A. post about a light show in China on Wednesday. The light show marked the reopening of Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus was first detected, which had been locked down for months.
Among other charges, the White House post claimed that V.O.A., which uses widely watched numbers from Johns Hopkins University to track coronavirus cases and deaths around the world, “created graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China’s coronavirus death toll to America’s.”Among other charges, the White House post claimed that V.O.A., which uses widely watched numbers from Johns Hopkins University to track coronavirus cases and deaths around the world, “created graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China’s coronavirus death toll to America’s.”
“V.O.A. too often speaks for America’s adversaries — not its citizens,” the post read. Asked about the post on Friday, the White House had no further comment.“V.O.A. too often speaks for America’s adversaries — not its citizens,” the post read. Asked about the post on Friday, the White House had no further comment.
Amanda Bennett, who leads Voice of America, pushed back against the claims. “We are thoroughly covering China’s disinformation and misinformation in English and Mandarin and at the same time reporting factually,” she said in a statement on Friday. “V.O.A. has thoroughly debunked much of the information coming from the Chinese government and government-controlled media.”Amanda Bennett, who leads Voice of America, pushed back against the claims. “We are thoroughly covering China’s disinformation and misinformation in English and Mandarin and at the same time reporting factually,” she said in a statement on Friday. “V.O.A. has thoroughly debunked much of the information coming from the Chinese government and government-controlled media.”
The statement includes links to more than a dozen V.O.A. reports exposing Beijing’s underestimates of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan, its use of Twitter to spread disinformation about the origins of the virus, and its bogus claims about aiding other nations.The statement includes links to more than a dozen V.O.A. reports exposing Beijing’s underestimates of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan, its use of Twitter to spread disinformation about the origins of the virus, and its bogus claims about aiding other nations.
Ms. Bennett, who is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, also responded to Mr. Scavino on Twitter.Ms. Bennett, who is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, also responded to Mr. Scavino on Twitter.
“We believe a healthy democracy means having an #Independent and #FreePress, so we love a good dialogue,” she wrote in a series of messages about the broadcaster’s work. “Our team works hard to fact-check and hold authorities and leaders accountable for what they say. We have a whole department dedicated to this effort @PolygraphInfo.”“We believe a healthy democracy means having an #Independent and #FreePress, so we love a good dialogue,” she wrote in a series of messages about the broadcaster’s work. “Our team works hard to fact-check and hold authorities and leaders accountable for what they say. We have a whole department dedicated to this effort @PolygraphInfo.”
The White House’s post about V.O.A. comes as White House officials try to deflect criticism of Mr. Trump’s coronavirus response.The White House’s post about V.O.A. comes as White House officials try to deflect criticism of Mr. Trump’s coronavirus response.
The Trump administration has also sought to appoint people favorable to the president inside V.O.A.’s independent parent agency, the United States Agency for Global Media, formerly the Broadcasting Board of Governors.The Trump administration has also sought to appoint people favorable to the president inside V.O.A.’s independent parent agency, the United States Agency for Global Media, formerly the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Voice of America is the flagship of American government efforts to broadcast its values abroad. Founded in 1942 to report on World War II, it reaches more than 280 million people in around 100 countries. The broadcaster is a source of information especially in countries where democracy and freedom of the press are under attack.Voice of America is the flagship of American government efforts to broadcast its values abroad. Founded in 1942 to report on World War II, it reaches more than 280 million people in around 100 countries. The broadcaster is a source of information especially in countries where democracy and freedom of the press are under attack.
At home, V.O.A. has been plagued by scandals in recent years. However, it has rarely, if ever, been accused by a White House of echoing the foreign propaganda it was created to combat.At home, V.O.A. has been plagued by scandals in recent years. However, it has rarely, if ever, been accused by a White House of echoing the foreign propaganda it was created to combat.
In this case, Mr. Trump has weathered his own criticism over his praise for President Xi Jinping of China’s response to the early stages of the outbreak.In this case, Mr. Trump has weathered his own criticism over his praise for President Xi Jinping of China’s response to the early stages of the outbreak.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus,” Mr. Trump said in a pair of Twitter posts in February.“He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus,” Mr. Trump said in a pair of Twitter posts in February.
But since then, Mr. Trump and other officials in his administration have used a harsher tone when describing China’s handling of the virus, especially over how it shares internal data related to the spread of cases.But since then, Mr. Trump and other officials in his administration have used a harsher tone when describing China’s handling of the virus, especially over how it shares internal data related to the spread of cases.
And in March, Mr. Trump began referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” underscoring the belief of those in his administration that Beijing had failed to appropriately handle a growing health emergency, and who seek to shift any blame for the spread in the United States away from the Trump administration’s own policies.And in March, Mr. Trump began referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” underscoring the belief of those in his administration that Beijing had failed to appropriately handle a growing health emergency, and who seek to shift any blame for the spread in the United States away from the Trump administration’s own policies.
The United States Agency for Global Media tries to promote American democratic values by melding journalism and political messaging across an array of radio and television channels around the world. Reports by the network’s 3,500 journalists reach more than 345 million people globally. Journalists for the independent agency are legally protected from political interference. But its various leaders have been accused of political bias by Democrats and Republicans alike over the years.The United States Agency for Global Media tries to promote American democratic values by melding journalism and political messaging across an array of radio and television channels around the world. Reports by the network’s 3,500 journalists reach more than 345 million people globally. Journalists for the independent agency are legally protected from political interference. But its various leaders have been accused of political bias by Democrats and Republicans alike over the years.
Ms. Bennett is among the leaders brought on during the Obama administration. She is married to Donald Graham, whose family owned The Washington Post before its sale to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Separate from Thursday’s events, Ms. Bennett has struggled to instill American standards in V.O.A. journalists from nations where questionable practices and political propagandizing are commonplace. Since the start of the Trump administration, she has served while expecting to lose her job should Mr. Trump’s nominee to lead the agency take the helm.Ms. Bennett is among the leaders brought on during the Obama administration. She is married to Donald Graham, whose family owned The Washington Post before its sale to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Separate from Thursday’s events, Ms. Bennett has struggled to instill American standards in V.O.A. journalists from nations where questionable practices and political propagandizing are commonplace. Since the start of the Trump administration, she has served while expecting to lose her job should Mr. Trump’s nominee to lead the agency take the helm.
That nominee, Michael Pack, has stalled in the Senate amid bipartisan concerns about his qualifications. Mr. Pack is a conservative documentary filmmaker who has collaborated with Stephen K. Bannon, Mr. Trump’s former chief strategist.That nominee, Michael Pack, has stalled in the Senate amid bipartisan concerns about his qualifications. Mr. Pack is a conservative documentary filmmaker who has collaborated with Stephen K. Bannon, Mr. Trump’s former chief strategist.
Pro-Trump appointees inside the agency have played a role in some scandals. In 2018, TV Martí, which aims broadcasts at Cuba, aired a segment calling the financier and Democratic donor George Soros, a longtime opponent of authoritarianism who is a frequent target of the anti-Semitic far right, “a nonbelieving Jew of flexible morals.”Pro-Trump appointees inside the agency have played a role in some scandals. In 2018, TV Martí, which aims broadcasts at Cuba, aired a segment calling the financier and Democratic donor George Soros, a longtime opponent of authoritarianism who is a frequent target of the anti-Semitic far right, “a nonbelieving Jew of flexible morals.”
Katie Rogers contributed reporting.Katie Rogers contributed reporting.