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Coronavirus US live: Trump says Michigan governor should 'make a deal' with protesters Coronavirus US live: New York sees anti-lockdown rally as Trump supports Michigan protesters
(32 minutes later)
President tweets Gretchen Whitmer should ‘give a little’ one day after protesters descended on the Michigan capitol against her stay-at-home orderPresident tweets Gretchen Whitmer should ‘give a little’ one day after protesters descended on the Michigan capitol against her stay-at-home order
The Trump campaign accused Joe Biden of applying a double standard after the presumptive Democratic nominee denied Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.
Erin Perrine, the Trump camapign’s principal deputy communications director, said in a statement, “The only thing Joe Biden did today was dig himself a deeper hole.”
Perrine noted Biden previously demanded that former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg release women from non-disclosure agreements about claims of sexual harassment at his company.
“Biden has a different definition of transparency than he sets for others.” Perrine said. “The double standard exhibited by Biden, prominent liberal women’s groups, and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden’s running mate – is glaring and cannot be allowed to stand.”
A number of anti-sexual assault groups have called for a full investigation of Reade’s claim, while applauding Biden for directly addressing the allegation, unlike the president.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden denied Tara Reade’s allegation of sexual assault. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told MSNBC, “It is not true. I’m saying unequivocally, it did not happen and it didn’t.”
Trump said Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with anti- stay-at-home protesters. The president’s comments came one day after protesters, some of them carrying assault rifles, swarmed the Michigan state capitol.
New York schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The news is unsurprising considering the state is still seeing 1,000 new coronavirus hospitalizations a day, and another 289 New Yorkers died of the virus yesterday.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Anti-stay-at-home protesters have gathered in front of New York’s state capitol, where governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.Anti-stay-at-home protesters have gathered in front of New York’s state capitol, where governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s coronavirus response.
The demonstrators are protesting Cuomo’s statewide stay-at-home order, which is currently in effect until May 15. The governor has declined to say when he will make a decision on whether to extend the order.The demonstrators are protesting Cuomo’s statewide stay-at-home order, which is currently in effect until May 15. The governor has declined to say when he will make a decision on whether to extend the order.
Similar protests have been popping up across the country, even though polls show most Americans support the restrictions that local leaders have enforced to limit the spread of the virus.Similar protests have been popping up across the country, even though polls show most Americans support the restrictions that local leaders have enforced to limit the spread of the virus.
Trump said earlier today that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “give a little” and “make a deal” with the protesters who swarmed the state capitol’s yesterday, some of whom were carrying assault rifles.Trump said earlier today that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “give a little” and “make a deal” with the protesters who swarmed the state capitol’s yesterday, some of whom were carrying assault rifles.
The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn has a recap of New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing:The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn has a recap of New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing:
In addition to announcing that schools across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic school year, the governor confirmed New York state is still seeing roughly 1,000 new covid-19 hospitalizations per day.In addition to announcing that schools across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic school year, the governor confirmed New York state is still seeing roughly 1,000 new covid-19 hospitalizations per day.
There were 289 deaths in the last 24 hours, the first time New York saw less than 300 daily deaths in weeks.There were 289 deaths in the last 24 hours, the first time New York saw less than 300 daily deaths in weeks.
“New Yorkers changed reality,” Cuomo said, crediting changes in social behaviors for a decline in overall hospitalizations since the peak of the outbreak.“New Yorkers changed reality,” Cuomo said, crediting changes in social behaviors for a decline in overall hospitalizations since the peak of the outbreak.
When asked to assess his own performance amid the pandemic, Cuomo responded, “I tried my best.” He then pivoted to give credit to state residents for how they have followed social distancing guidelines. “New Yorkers did an extraordinary job,” he said.When asked to assess his own performance amid the pandemic, Cuomo responded, “I tried my best.” He then pivoted to give credit to state residents for how they have followed social distancing guidelines. “New Yorkers did an extraordinary job,” he said.
Cuomo then announced he had directed insurers to waive co-pays, deductibles and other costs for mental health services for essential workers throughout the coronavirus crisis.Cuomo then announced he had directed insurers to waive co-pays, deductibles and other costs for mental health services for essential workers throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The governor said he had spoken to too many families who said they would seek counseling but felt it was too expensive. “Just wipe that reason away and get the help that you need,” Cuomo said.The governor said he had spoken to too many families who said they would seek counseling but felt it was too expensive. “Just wipe that reason away and get the help that you need,” Cuomo said.
The governor also shared that the state saw a 15% jump in domestic violence calls in March and a 30% increase in April, which Cuomo described as a “dramatic” and “frightening” trend.The governor also shared that the state saw a 15% jump in domestic violence calls in March and a 30% increase in April, which Cuomo described as a “dramatic” and “frightening” trend.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said private schools with large endowments should return any loans they received from the Paycheck Protection Program.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said private schools with large endowments should return any loans they received from the Paycheck Protection Program.
Some private schools with millions of dollars in their endowments received large loans from the program, even as small businesses with little capital at their disposal struggled to get their loan applications approved.Some private schools with millions of dollars in their endowments received large loans from the program, even as small businesses with little capital at their disposal struggled to get their loan applications approved.
Some of the private schools have already returned the loans, mirroring the actions of publicly traded companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which have also said they would return the funds they received from the program.Some of the private schools have already returned the loans, mirroring the actions of publicly traded companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which have also said they would return the funds they received from the program.
The New York Times has more details:The New York Times has more details:
New Yorks schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, and educators will continue to practice distance learning, governor Andrew Cuomo has just announced.New Yorks schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, and educators will continue to practice distance learning, governor Andrew Cuomo has just announced.
The Democratic governor added that he would make a decision about whether summer school will be possible at the end of the month.The Democratic governor added that he would make a decision about whether summer school will be possible at the end of the month.
Another 289 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, representing a slight decrease from the day before, but new hospitalizations appear to have plateaued at around 1,000, which Cuomo has described as alarmingly high.Another 289 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, representing a slight decrease from the day before, but new hospitalizations appear to have plateaued at around 1,000, which Cuomo has described as alarmingly high.
The maker of the drug remdesivir said his company, Gilead, is working closely with the FDA to get the drug authorized as a coronavirus treatment.The maker of the drug remdesivir said his company, Gilead, is working closely with the FDA to get the drug authorized as a coronavirus treatment.
Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day said his company has already significantly expanded production capacity for the drug and hopes to make millions of treatment courses available by the end of the year.Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day said his company has already significantly expanded production capacity for the drug and hopes to make millions of treatment courses available by the end of the year.
“I think it’s important to note that this is a medicine for the most severe patients,” O’Day told the “Today” show. “What we see here is really, of course, not a cure but a very, very significant and important treatment for patients.”“I think it’s important to note that this is a medicine for the most severe patients,” O’Day told the “Today” show. “What we see here is really, of course, not a cure but a very, very significant and important treatment for patients.”
O’Day’s comments come days after Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseasee expert, said the results of a remdesivir drug trial, which showed a positive effect on patients’ recovery time and survival rate, was “quite good news.”O’Day’s comments come days after Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseasee expert, said the results of a remdesivir drug trial, which showed a positive effect on patients’ recovery time and survival rate, was “quite good news.”
“The data shows that remdesivir has a clear-cut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery,” Fauci said. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”“The data shows that remdesivir has a clear-cut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery,” Fauci said. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”
Publicly traded companies have received more than $1 billion from the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, according to a new analysis from the Washington Post.Publicly traded companies have received more than $1 billion from the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, according to a new analysis from the Washington Post.
The Post reports:The Post reports:
Companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House have been criticized for taking money from PPP as the program was rapidly running out of money, which eventually forced both companies to return the funds.Companies like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House have been criticized for taking money from PPP as the program was rapidly running out of money, which eventually forced both companies to return the funds.
The treasury department recently said in updated guidance about the program that publicly traded companies would likely not meet the financial burden requirement to obtain funds, and the government has encouraged large companies to return the money they received.The treasury department recently said in updated guidance about the program that publicly traded companies would likely not meet the financial burden requirement to obtain funds, and the government has encouraged large companies to return the money they received.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin also said earlier this week that the department would be auditing any loan worth more than $2 million.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin also said earlier this week that the department would be auditing any loan worth more than $2 million.
Scientists working for the US military have designed a new Covid-19 test that could potentially identify carriers before they become infectious and spread the disease, the Guardian has learned.Scientists working for the US military have designed a new Covid-19 test that could potentially identify carriers before they become infectious and spread the disease, the Guardian has learned.
In what could be a significant breakthrough, project coordinators hope the blood-based test will be able to detect the virus’s presence as early as 24 hours after infection – before people show symptoms and several days before a carrier is considered capable of spreading it to other people. That is also around four days before current tests can detect the virus.In what could be a significant breakthrough, project coordinators hope the blood-based test will be able to detect the virus’s presence as early as 24 hours after infection – before people show symptoms and several days before a carrier is considered capable of spreading it to other people. That is also around four days before current tests can detect the virus.
The test has emerged from a project set up by the US military’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) aimed at rapid diagnosis of germ or chemical warfare poisoning. It was hurriedly repurposed when the pandemic broke out and the new test is expected to be put forward for emergency use approval (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within a week.The test has emerged from a project set up by the US military’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) aimed at rapid diagnosis of germ or chemical warfare poisoning. It was hurriedly repurposed when the pandemic broke out and the new test is expected to be put forward for emergency use approval (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within a week.
“The concept fills a diagnostic gap worldwide,” the head of Darpa’s biological technologies office, Dr Brad Ringeisen, told the Guardian, since it should also fill in testing gaps at later stages of the infection. If given FDA approval, he said, it had the potential to be “absolutely a gamechanger”.“The concept fills a diagnostic gap worldwide,” the head of Darpa’s biological technologies office, Dr Brad Ringeisen, told the Guardian, since it should also fill in testing gaps at later stages of the infection. If given FDA approval, he said, it had the potential to be “absolutely a gamechanger”.
The nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization has also issued a statement about Tara Reade’s allegation against Joe Biden.The nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization has also issued a statement about Tara Reade’s allegation against Joe Biden.
After the presumptive Democratic nominee denied sexually assaulting Reade 27 years ago, the group RAINN called for a “rigorous investigation” of the allegation.After the presumptive Democratic nominee denied sexually assaulting Reade 27 years ago, the group RAINN called for a “rigorous investigation” of the allegation.
“We appreciate Vice President Biden finally addressing Tara Reade’s allegations,” RAINN’s vice president of communications said in the statement.“We appreciate Vice President Biden finally addressing Tara Reade’s allegations,” RAINN’s vice president of communications said in the statement.
“These allegations deserve a rigorous investigation, and we urge Vice President Biden to release any and all records that may be relevant, including those housed at the University of Delaware, in addition to any Senate records housed at the National Archives. We urge him, his campaign, and former staff to cooperate fully and provide complete transparency.”“These allegations deserve a rigorous investigation, and we urge Vice President Biden to release any and all records that may be relevant, including those housed at the University of Delaware, in addition to any Senate records housed at the National Archives. We urge him, his campaign, and former staff to cooperate fully and provide complete transparency.”
But the University of Delaware has said officials are still curating the collection of Biden’s papers and the documents will not be publicly available until next year, after the presidential election.But the University of Delaware has said officials are still curating the collection of Biden’s papers and the documents will not be publicly available until next year, after the presidential election.
The president and CEO of TIME’S UP Now has issued a statement in response to Joe Biden’s interview about Tara Reade’s allegation of sexual assault.The president and CEO of TIME’S UP Now has issued a statement in response to Joe Biden’s interview about Tara Reade’s allegation of sexual assault.
Tina Tchen, who leads the anti-sexual harassment group, applauded Biden for directly addressing the allegation, unlike Trump, and called for “complete transparency” into Reade’s claim.Tina Tchen, who leads the anti-sexual harassment group, applauded Biden for directly addressing the allegation, unlike Trump, and called for “complete transparency” into Reade’s claim.
“Today, Vice President Joe Biden sat down and directly addressed the allegation against him with the seriousness it deserves, something that the current president has never done,” Tchen said in the statement.“Today, Vice President Joe Biden sat down and directly addressed the allegation against him with the seriousness it deserves, something that the current president has never done,” Tchen said in the statement.
“Vice President Joe Biden needed to address Tara Reade’s allegation today. We call for complete transparency into this claim and the multiple claims against President Donald Trump. As we go forward, American voters are entitled to a full understanding of all allegations of this nature. Women should be heard, treated respectfully, and their allegations taken seriously.”“Vice President Joe Biden needed to address Tara Reade’s allegation today. We call for complete transparency into this claim and the multiple claims against President Donald Trump. As we go forward, American voters are entitled to a full understanding of all allegations of this nature. Women should be heard, treated respectfully, and their allegations taken seriously.”
Tchen’s statement underscores the difficult spot that Democratic women are in as they address Reade’s allegation. The Democratic party has prided itself on taking allegations of sexual misconduct seriously since several women accused Trump of inappropriate touching. Now Reade is asking those same Democrats who rallied around Trump’s accusers to grant her the same treatment.Tchen’s statement underscores the difficult spot that Democratic women are in as they address Reade’s allegation. The Democratic party has prided itself on taking allegations of sexual misconduct seriously since several women accused Trump of inappropriate touching. Now Reade is asking those same Democrats who rallied around Trump’s accusers to grant her the same treatment.
Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway criticized Joe Biden’s response to Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway criticized Joe Biden’s response to Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegation.
After Biden denied Reade’s allegation in an interview this morning, Conway accused the presumptive Democratic nominee of applying a different standard to himself than he has to other politicians accused of sexual misconduct. “Believe all women means all women — you don’t get to choose,” Conway said.After Biden denied Reade’s allegation in an interview this morning, Conway accused the presumptive Democratic nominee of applying a different standard to himself than he has to other politicians accused of sexual misconduct. “Believe all women means all women — you don’t get to choose,” Conway said.
The White House adviser also called on Biden to unseal any records related to Reade’s allegation. “You should unseal them anyway if you want to run for president,” Conway said.The White House adviser also called on Biden to unseal any records related to Reade’s allegation. “You should unseal them anyway if you want to run for president,” Conway said.
Commentators were quick to point out that Trump has not released his tax returns, making him the first president not to do so, raising some questions about Conway’s demand for transparency.Commentators were quick to point out that Trump has not released his tax returns, making him the first president not to do so, raising some questions about Conway’s demand for transparency.
There is a 2pm ET press briefing on the White House schedule – not from Donald Trump, who has other events today at which he may speak about the coronavirus pandemic, but by the new press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.There is a 2pm ET press briefing on the White House schedule – not from Donald Trump, who has other events today at which he may speak about the coronavirus pandemic, but by the new press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.
Although the White House coronavirus task force has regularly held briefings in recent weeks, it’s been more than a year since the Trump’s press secretary held such a formal briefing.Although the White House coronavirus task force has regularly held briefings in recent weeks, it’s been more than a year since the Trump’s press secretary held such a formal briefing.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump’s second press secretary, dropped the practice which made her predecessor Sean Spicer (in)famous and her successor, Stephanie Grisham, never held one.Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump’s second press secretary, dropped the practice which made her predecessor Sean Spicer (in)famous and her successor, Stephanie Grisham, never held one.
So that’ll be something else to watch today…So that’ll be something else to watch today…
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her state’s coronavirus emergency declaration yesterday after the Republican-led legislature moved to end the declaration.Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her state’s coronavirus emergency declaration yesterday after the Republican-led legislature moved to end the declaration.
As anti-stay-at-home protesters swarmed the state capitol, Michigan’s Republican legislators pushed to not only end the declaration but also empower the chambers’ leaders to sue Whitmer if she extended the order.As anti-stay-at-home protesters swarmed the state capitol, Michigan’s Republican legislators pushed to not only end the declaration but also empower the chambers’ leaders to sue Whitmer if she extended the order.
Despite those efforts, Whitmer chose to sign an executive order ending the original declaration and then issue another order that established a state of emergency until May 28. Those orders come a week after Whitmer extended the state’s stay-at-home order until at least May 15.Despite those efforts, Whitmer chose to sign an executive order ending the original declaration and then issue another order that established a state of emergency until May 28. Those orders come a week after Whitmer extended the state’s stay-at-home order until at least May 15.
The clash between the Democratic governor and the Republican legislators could lead to an intense legal battle over how the state responds to the pandemic.The clash between the Democratic governor and the Republican legislators could lead to an intense legal battle over how the state responds to the pandemic.
Trump received criticism last month after he called to “liberate” three states that are currently under stay-at-home orders, including Michigan, echoing messaging from far-right protesters.Trump received criticism last month after he called to “liberate” three states that are currently under stay-at-home orders, including Michigan, echoing messaging from far-right protesters.
In one tweet about the stay-at-home orders, Trump wrote, “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”In one tweet about the stay-at-home orders, Trump wrote, “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”
Many of the president’s critics accused the president of inciting violence against Democratic governors and lawmakers, and tweets about a potential armed conflict against the government skyrocketed in the hours after Trump’s “liberate” tweets were sent.Many of the president’s critics accused the president of inciting violence against Democratic governors and lawmakers, and tweets about a potential armed conflict against the government skyrocketed in the hours after Trump’s “liberate” tweets were sent.
Now the president has weighed in on the protests again, suggesting Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with the demonstrators, even though health experts have warned states could see a surge in coronavirus cases if stay-at-home orders are relaxed too quickly.Now the president has weighed in on the protests again, suggesting Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with the demonstrators, even though health experts have warned states could see a surge in coronavirus cases if stay-at-home orders are relaxed too quickly.
Michigan has been particularly hard hit by the virus, which has already claimed more than 3,000 lives in the state.Michigan has been particularly hard hit by the virus, which has already claimed more than 3,000 lives in the state.
Trump is once again weighing in on the anti-stay-at-home protests that have been popping up across the country, suggesting Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with the demonstrators.Trump is once again weighing in on the anti-stay-at-home protests that have been popping up across the country, suggesting Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer should “make a deal” with the demonstrators.
“The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.”“The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.”
The president’s tweet comes one day after protesters descended on the Michigan capitol in Lansing to rail against Whitmer’s stay-at-home order. A number of the demonstrators were photographed carrying assault rifles, causing alarm among the legislators who were at the Capitol.The president’s tweet comes one day after protesters descended on the Michigan capitol in Lansing to rail against Whitmer’s stay-at-home order. A number of the demonstrators were photographed carrying assault rifles, causing alarm among the legislators who were at the Capitol.