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Coronavirus US live: Trump repeats attacks on press as deaths continue to mount Coronavirus US live: Trump repeats attacks on press as deaths continue to mount
(32 minutes later)
The president was subdued but stuck to usual talking points at Monday briefing; US cases continue to creep toward 1mThe president was subdued but stuck to usual talking points at Monday briefing; US cases continue to creep toward 1m
Congressional leaders are signaling there is a long fight ahead to reach a deal on the next coronavirus relief bill.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said yesterday that he wanted to tie new liability protections to additional funding for state and local governments, which Democrats have been pushing for.
In an interview this morning, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer criticized McConnell for trying to link the funding, which governors say is absolutely necessary, to unrelated demands.
“There’s going to be massive layoffs at the state and local level unless we get some money to them quickly,” Schumer said. “And when McConnell says we’ve got to do A, B, C, D, which is irrelevant to getting the people the money they need, that’s wrong.”
The Senate will take up this fight starting next Monday, when the chamber reconvenes for the first time in weeks, despite concerns about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the Washington metropolitan area.
The White House has just announced Trump will be holding a press conference with Florida governor Ron DeSantis at the White House in about an hour.
The press conference did not appear on Trump’s original schedule, which indicated the president’s meeting with the Florida governor would be restricted to an in-house pool.
The last-minute announcement comes a day after the White House scheduled then canceled then rescheduled its briefing on the coronavirus response.
The White House has reportedly been trying to scale back the daily briefings, but the president, who has repeatedly boasted about the ratings the briefing attracts, may be hesitant to decrease their frequency.
Ohio’a vote-by-mail primary is taking place today, providing a reminder that there is in fact still a presidential election going on, even as the country remains focused on limiting the spread of coronavirus.
Ohio was originally set to hold its primary last month, but in-person voting was canceled at the last minute due to concerns about spreading the virus at polling places.
Many other states have since followed Ohio’s example, delaying their presidential primaries and expanding absentee voting options to keep in-person voting to a minimum.
Although Joe Biden is already the presumptive Democratic nominee, Ohio’s handling of the primary could provide clues as to how the country will handle the general election in November, when the US may be seeing another surge in coronavirus cases.
Even Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is suggesting Trump should shorten his White House briefings.Even Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is suggesting Trump should shorten his White House briefings.
Asked by the Washington Post whether the White House should shorten the briefings, the Republican Senate leader said that was “probably a good idea.”Asked by the Washington Post whether the White House should shorten the briefings, the Republican Senate leader said that was “probably a good idea.”
“Certainly, what the American people are most interested in is the advice from health professionals about how to conduct their daily lives safely,” McConnell added.“Certainly, what the American people are most interested in is the advice from health professionals about how to conduct their daily lives safely,” McConnell added.
Senate majority whip John Thune similarly said the briefings should focus on exerpertise from public health officials like Dr Anthony Fauci.Senate majority whip John Thune similarly said the briefings should focus on exerpertise from public health officials like Dr Anthony Fauci.
“I would say for any politician that you know, on a subject like this, you definitely want to give the experts the microphone and the platform as much as possible,” Thune said. “One of the keys of being a good leader is surrounding yourself with people who have the knowledge and expertise and can kind of talk people through what we’re going through.”“I would say for any politician that you know, on a subject like this, you definitely want to give the experts the microphone and the platform as much as possible,” Thune said. “One of the keys of being a good leader is surrounding yourself with people who have the knowledge and expertise and can kind of talk people through what we’re going through.”
The White House is reportedly trying to decrease the frequency of the briefings after Trump’s now-infamous claim about using disinfectants to treat coronavirus. There is currently no briefing on the president’s schedule today, but that’s no guarantee there won’t be one, considering the White House scheduled then canceled then re-scheduled yesterday’s briefing.The White House is reportedly trying to decrease the frequency of the briefings after Trump’s now-infamous claim about using disinfectants to treat coronavirus. There is currently no briefing on the president’s schedule today, but that’s no guarantee there won’t be one, considering the White House scheduled then canceled then re-scheduled yesterday’s briefing.
Trump said in a new tweet that many states are “moving to SAFELY & QUICKLY reopen,” even as public health experts warn against relaxing restrictions too quickly.Trump said in a new tweet that many states are “moving to SAFELY & QUICKLY reopen,” even as public health experts warn against relaxing restrictions too quickly.
Several states have started their phased reopening, allowing some non-essential businesses to start accepting customers again while still enforcing restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.Several states have started their phased reopening, allowing some non-essential businesses to start accepting customers again while still enforcing restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.
But public health experts are signaling some concerns about those states reopening. A model from the University of Washington, which is often cited by the White House, raised its projected number of coronavirus deaths in the US by early August.But public health experts are signaling some concerns about those states reopening. A model from the University of Washington, which is often cited by the White House, raised its projected number of coronavirus deaths in the US by early August.
The model now suggests 74,000 Americans will die of the virus by August 4, up from the 67,000 predicted a week ago, in part due to signs of increasing activity among Americans.The model now suggests 74,000 Americans will die of the virus by August 4, up from the 67,000 predicted a week ago, in part due to signs of increasing activity among Americans.
Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in the US is approaching 1 million, and the country has recorded more than 56,000 deaths from the virus.Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in the US is approaching 1 million, and the country has recorded more than 56,000 deaths from the virus.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said loans from the Paycheck Protection Program would be audited if they are worth over $2 million.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said loans from the Paycheck Protection Program would be audited if they are worth over $2 million.
Mnuchin’s announcement comes as the small-business loan program has attracted criticism for approving funds for some not-so-small businesses, like Shake Shack and the Los Angeles Lakers.Mnuchin’s announcement comes as the small-business loan program has attracted criticism for approving funds for some not-so-small businesses, like Shake Shack and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mnuchin said he thought it was “outrageous” that the Lakers had been approved for a $4.6 million loan, which the professional basketball team is now returning following intense criticism.Mnuchin said he thought it was “outrageous” that the Lakers had been approved for a $4.6 million loan, which the professional basketball team is now returning following intense criticism.
“This was a program designed for small businesses,” Mnuchin said. “It was not a program that was designed for public companies if they had liquidity.”“This was a program designed for small businesses,” Mnuchin said. “It was not a program that was designed for public companies if they had liquidity.”
The treasury secretary added he is encouraged the average loan amount for the program is coming down, indicating more of the money is going to actual small businesses, which account for half of American jobs.The treasury secretary added he is encouraged the average loan amount for the program is coming down, indicating more of the money is going to actual small businesses, which account for half of American jobs.
This is Joan Greve, taking over for Martin Pengelly.This is Joan Greve, taking over for Martin Pengelly.
Another poll indicates most Americans agree with the current restrictions on non-essential businesses, even as protests against stay-at-home orders have received much attention in recent weeks.Another poll indicates most Americans agree with the current restrictions on non-essential businesses, even as protests against stay-at-home orders have received much attention in recent weeks.
According to the Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, 66% of Americans say their states’ restrictions on restaurants, stores and other businesses are appropriate. Another 16% say their states’ restrictions are not tight enough. Only 17% say the restrictions are too severe.According to the Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, 66% of Americans say their states’ restrictions on restaurants, stores and other businesses are appropriate. Another 16% say their states’ restrictions are not tight enough. Only 17% say the restrictions are too severe.
But Republicans remain more likely than Democrats or independents to say the restrictions go too far. While 27% of Republicans believe the restrictions are too severe, only 8% of Democrats and 17% of independents say the same.But Republicans remain more likely than Democrats or independents to say the restrictions go too far. While 27% of Republicans believe the restrictions are too severe, only 8% of Democrats and 17% of independents say the same.
Thousands across the country have attended protests against their states’ stay-at-home orders, ignoring social-distancing guidelines to demand their governors allow businesses to reopen.Thousands across the country have attended protests against their states’ stay-at-home orders, ignoring social-distancing guidelines to demand their governors allow businesses to reopen.
The organizers of the anti-stay-at-home movement have billed the protests as a grassroots operation demonstrating the frustration with restrictions on businesses, but the rallies have actually been backed by groups with ties to the Republican party and the Trump administration.The organizers of the anti-stay-at-home movement have billed the protests as a grassroots operation demonstrating the frustration with restrictions on businesses, but the rallies have actually been backed by groups with ties to the Republican party and the Trump administration.
And now in Sean Hannity news, the Fox News host is both threatening the New York Times with legal action over how it reports on him – and sharing a lawyer with Donald Trump again as he does so – and writing a book, due out from Simon & Schuster on 4 August.And now in Sean Hannity news, the Fox News host is both threatening the New York Times with legal action over how it reports on him – and sharing a lawyer with Donald Trump again as he does so – and writing a book, due out from Simon & Schuster on 4 August.
The stories at issue are about Hannity, Fox News and the coronavirus. A Times spokeswoman said the paper had “reported fairly and accurately on Mr Hannity. There is no basis for a retraction or an apology.”The stories at issue are about Hannity, Fox News and the coronavirus. A Times spokeswoman said the paper had “reported fairly and accurately on Mr Hannity. There is no basis for a retraction or an apology.”
Here, meanwhile, is some Guardian reporting on Hannity.Here, meanwhile, is some Guardian reporting on Hannity.
Hannity’s book, meanwhile, is going to be called Live Free or Die, so in my reckoning it’s either going to be a swiftly written screed about American rights, freedoms and how Big Government Is Bad, available at all good airport and Amtrak branches of Hudson News next to the latest Ann Coulter, or an unexpected swerve from the Ian Fleming estate in which Sebastian Faulks and William Boyd bend the knee to their new master and Bond fights evil villain Cuo Mo and his plan to keep New York on socialistic lockdown for the rest of recorded time.Hannity’s book, meanwhile, is going to be called Live Free or Die, so in my reckoning it’s either going to be a swiftly written screed about American rights, freedoms and how Big Government Is Bad, available at all good airport and Amtrak branches of Hudson News next to the latest Ann Coulter, or an unexpected swerve from the Ian Fleming estate in which Sebastian Faulks and William Boyd bend the knee to their new master and Bond fights evil villain Cuo Mo and his plan to keep New York on socialistic lockdown for the rest of recorded time.
I’m betting on the second, because I like Bond books, even the dodgy non-Fleming ones. The Boyd is actually pretty good. Honest.I’m betting on the second, because I like Bond books, even the dodgy non-Fleming ones. The Boyd is actually pretty good. Honest.
Noted small business the Los Angeles Lakers – employers of noted small businessman LeBron James – have returned a loan of around $4.6m they got from the federal government’s coronavirus relief funds.Noted small business the Los Angeles Lakers – employers of noted small businessman LeBron James – have returned a loan of around $4.6m they got from the federal government’s coronavirus relief funds.
It seems staggering that an NBA franchise could gain access to funding meant to save everyday businesses during the shutdown of the US economy, but as the Associated Press reports, we’ve been here before:It seems staggering that an NBA franchise could gain access to funding meant to save everyday businesses during the shutdown of the US economy, but as the Associated Press reports, we’ve been here before:
It turns out the Lakers, the second-most valuable NBA franchise at $4bn or so, playing in the second-most valuable media market, qualified for small business relief because they only have around 300 employees.It turns out the Lakers, the second-most valuable NBA franchise at $4bn or so, playing in the second-most valuable media market, qualified for small business relief because they only have around 300 employees.
The AP report continues:The AP report continues:
Earlier this month, James, perhaps the most famous current NBA player, told fans “he had been spending his time at home during the coronavirus outbreak playing basketball with his teenage sons, enjoying time with his young daughter, and binge-watching Netflix hit Tiger King with his wife”.Earlier this month, James, perhaps the most famous current NBA player, told fans “he had been spending his time at home during the coronavirus outbreak playing basketball with his teenage sons, enjoying time with his young daughter, and binge-watching Netflix hit Tiger King with his wife”.
We have a first tweet of the day from the president, and he is attacking the press once again:We have a first tweet of the day from the president, and he is attacking the press once again:
As fact checkers have consistently pointed out, the US has not done the most tests per capita while the efficacy and efficiency of US testing is, to put it mildly, at issue. The US is getting better at testing, but public health experts suggest it needs to get much better before the economy can properly reopen.As fact checkers have consistently pointed out, the US has not done the most tests per capita while the efficacy and efficiency of US testing is, to put it mildly, at issue. The US is getting better at testing, but public health experts suggest it needs to get much better before the economy can properly reopen.
Access to ventilators has been a constant theme in the outbreak. It has turned out that states such as New York have not needed as many as they thought they would, but the Trump administration’s handling of the federal stockpile has also been a subject of considerable controversy.Access to ventilators has been a constant theme in the outbreak. It has turned out that states such as New York have not needed as many as they thought they would, but the Trump administration’s handling of the federal stockpile has also been a subject of considerable controversy.
Andrew Cuomo has said he wishes he had “blown the bugle” about Covid-19 earlier. Speaking to Axios on HBO, the New York governor discussed US reactions to the first news of the outbreak, from China in December.Andrew Cuomo has said he wishes he had “blown the bugle” about Covid-19 earlier. Speaking to Axios on HBO, the New York governor discussed US reactions to the first news of the outbreak, from China in December.
“When we heard in December that China had a virus problem,” he said, “and China said basically, ‘It was under control, don’t worry,’ we should’ve worried.”“When we heard in December that China had a virus problem,” he said, “and China said basically, ‘It was under control, don’t worry,’ we should’ve worried.”
Cuomo added: “I wish someone stood up and blew the bugle. And if no one was going to blow the bugle, I would feel much better if I was a bugle blower last December and January. ... I would feel better sitting here today saying, ‘I blew the bugle about Wuhan province in January.’ I can’t say that.”Cuomo added: “I wish someone stood up and blew the bugle. And if no one was going to blow the bugle, I would feel much better if I was a bugle blower last December and January. ... I would feel better sitting here today saying, ‘I blew the bugle about Wuhan province in January.’ I can’t say that.”
Again, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University, New York has confirmed more than 290,000 coronavirus cases and approaching 23,000 deaths. France, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths but not by much, and New York City alone has the fifth-highest death total in the world, with the UK in fourth.Again, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University, New York has confirmed more than 290,000 coronavirus cases and approaching 23,000 deaths. France, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths but not by much, and New York City alone has the fifth-highest death total in the world, with the UK in fourth.
Cuomo is widely seen to have had a good outbreak, so to speak, with daily briefings of the media much more to the point than the president’s and a grip on governance of his state that has kept it on lockdown and in line while he manages a tricky relationship with the federal government. Still, questions are increasingly being asked about whether such New York’s heavy death toll might have been avoided.Cuomo is widely seen to have had a good outbreak, so to speak, with daily briefings of the media much more to the point than the president’s and a grip on governance of his state that has kept it on lockdown and in line while he manages a tricky relationship with the federal government. Still, questions are increasingly being asked about whether such New York’s heavy death toll might have been avoided.
When the US economy will reopen remains the key question but Congress will be back in session for sure on Monday 4 May.When the US economy will reopen remains the key question but Congress will be back in session for sure on Monday 4 May.
Many people think that’s not a good idea at all, not least because the Senate skews old, to say the least, in a time when a virus is disproportionately killing older Americans. Only 14 of 100 senators are under 50 and 28 are 70 or older, six of those past 80.Many people think that’s not a good idea at all, not least because the Senate skews old, to say the least, in a time when a virus is disproportionately killing older Americans. Only 14 of 100 senators are under 50 and 28 are 70 or older, six of those past 80.
Majority leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday he would “modify routines in ways that are smart and safe”. Here’s a look at how the House of Commons is doing it in the UK. And here, from the Welsh Assembly, is a chilling demonstration of the perils of forgetting to mute your mic on Zoom.Majority leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday he would “modify routines in ways that are smart and safe”. Here’s a look at how the House of Commons is doing it in the UK. And here, from the Welsh Assembly, is a chilling demonstration of the perils of forgetting to mute your mic on Zoom.
The 100 senators and 435 representatives will return to the usual political battles, anyway, looking to add to coronavirus stimulus/rescue efforts under a president who tweeted on Monday: “Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help. I am open to discussing anything, but just asking?”The 100 senators and 435 representatives will return to the usual political battles, anyway, looking to add to coronavirus stimulus/rescue efforts under a president who tweeted on Monday: “Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help. I am open to discussing anything, but just asking?”
The mechanics of which states bail out which are fascinating. Ask Andrew Cuomo:The mechanics of which states bail out which are fascinating. Ask Andrew Cuomo:
…and welcome to another day of coverage of the coronavirus outbreak – and the politics of it under Donald Trump – in the US.…and welcome to another day of coverage of the coronavirus outbreak – and the politics of it under Donald Trump – in the US.
First, as ever, the figures according to Johns Hopkins University:First, as ever, the figures according to Johns Hopkins University:
US cases: 988,303US cases: 988,303
US deaths: 56,248US deaths: 56,248
New York cases: 291,996New York cases: 291,996
New York deaths: 22,668New York deaths: 22,668
Other states are badly hit too: there have been more than 6,000 deaths in New Jersey, more than 3,000 in Michigan and Massachusetts, more than 2,000 in Connecticut and more than 1,000 in many others.Other states are badly hit too: there have been more than 6,000 deaths in New Jersey, more than 3,000 in Michigan and Massachusetts, more than 2,000 in Connecticut and more than 1,000 in many others.
Whither Trump, then. On Monday the president first cancelled his daily press briefing, in the aftermath of last week’s disinfectant disaster, then announced it was on again. In the Rose Garden the president seemed a little subdued but also stuck to his usual talking points. Washington bureau chief David Smith’s sketch is here – and true to its distinctly British journalistic form:Whither Trump, then. On Monday the president first cancelled his daily press briefing, in the aftermath of last week’s disinfectant disaster, then announced it was on again. In the Rose Garden the president seemed a little subdued but also stuck to his usual talking points. Washington bureau chief David Smith’s sketch is here – and true to its distinctly British journalistic form:
This question, by the by – “If an American president loses more Americans over the course of six weeks than died over the entirety of the Vietnam war, does he deserve to be reelected?” – produced more blowback for the questioner than the questioned, on grounds of whether it showed the proper respect. Such are the mechanics of the White House press corps. For the record, around 58,000 Americans died in Vietnam.This question, by the by – “If an American president loses more Americans over the course of six weeks than died over the entirety of the Vietnam war, does he deserve to be reelected?” – produced more blowback for the questioner than the questioned, on grounds of whether it showed the proper respect. Such are the mechanics of the White House press corps. For the record, around 58,000 Americans died in Vietnam.
Otherwise, at his White House presser Trump also:Otherwise, at his White House presser Trump also:
Announced a plan to increase coronavirus testing, which public health experts say is at nowhere near the level needed if the US economy is to reopen.Announced a plan to increase coronavirus testing, which public health experts say is at nowhere near the level needed if the US economy is to reopen.
Blamed China (the subject of this fascinating Politico story about jittery Senate Republicans being told not to defend the president).Blamed China (the subject of this fascinating Politico story about jittery Senate Republicans being told not to defend the president).
Refused to take responsibility for more people ingesting disinfectant in the days since his remarks on the subject.Refused to take responsibility for more people ingesting disinfectant in the days since his remarks on the subject.
After the briefing, Trump made his usual attacks on the press on Twitter, at one point seeming to conflate them with the coronavirus, “the Invisible Enemy!”After the briefing, Trump made his usual attacks on the press on Twitter, at one point seeming to conflate them with the coronavirus, “the Invisible Enemy!”
But as of this writing, on Tuesday morning, there is no White House briefing on the schedule for Tuesday, though Trump is set to deliver remarks on small business in the Rose Garden at 3pm.But as of this writing, on Tuesday morning, there is no White House briefing on the schedule for Tuesday, though Trump is set to deliver remarks on small business in the Rose Garden at 3pm.
Elsewhere, New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced a death toll in continued decline and started to look towards reopening parts of the state, while states including Texas and Ohio outlined their own plans to reopen.Elsewhere, New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced a death toll in continued decline and started to look towards reopening parts of the state, while states including Texas and Ohio outlined their own plans to reopen.
More to come. Before it does, some further reading:More to come. Before it does, some further reading: