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Coronavirus US live: Trump claims 'numbers are much better' as death toll nears 80,000 Coronavirus US live: Trump claims 'numbers are much better' as death toll nears 80,000
(32 minutes later)
President makes vague claim numbers ‘going down almost everywhere’ as New York Times database finds decreases in just 14 of 50 statesPresident makes vague claim numbers ‘going down almost everywhere’ as New York Times database finds decreases in just 14 of 50 states
Nearly 2,000 former Justice Department employees are calling on Attorney General William Barr to resign, arguing in an open letter that he has “once again assaulted the rule of law” by moving to drop the case against Michael Flynn, the president’s former national security adviser.
In the open letter, organized by the nonprofit group Protect Democracy and published online on Monday, the lawyers assert that Barr’s actions are “extraordinarily rare, if not unprecedented.”
“If any of us, or anyone reading this statement who is not a friend of the President, were to lie to federal investigators in the course of a properly predicated counterintelligence investigation, and admit we did so under oath, we would be prosecuted for it,” they write.
The letter is signed by former justice department attorneys who worked for Republican and Democratic administrations, the vast majority of whom were former career officials and not political appointees. Protect Democracy previously called on Barr to resign, in a February letter that received more than 2,600 signatures after he intervened to reduce the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime friend and political ally of the president.
“We continue to believe that it would be best for the integrity of the Justice Department and for our democracy for Attorney General Barr to step aside,” they wrote. “In the meantime, we call on Congress to hold the Attorney General accountable.”
The letter urges Congress must formally censure Barr “for his repeated assaults on the rule of law in doing the President’s personal bidding rather than acting in the public interest”.
“Our democracy depends on a Department of Justice that acts as an independent arbiter of equal justice, not as an arm of the president’s political apparatus,” they write,
The Michigan capitol commission delayed a decision on whether to ban guns from the state’s capitol building, an issue that arose after members of an armed militia joined a demonstration against the governor’s stay-at-home order last month.The Michigan capitol commission delayed a decision on whether to ban guns from the state’s capitol building, an issue that arose after members of an armed militia joined a demonstration against the governor’s stay-at-home order last month.
The commission was due to vote today but instead said they needed more time to consider the matter. During the meeting, which was held on Zoom, the videoconferencing service, the group decided to establish a committee to further study the issue, including any legal implications.The commission was due to vote today but instead said they needed more time to consider the matter. During the meeting, which was held on Zoom, the videoconferencing service, the group decided to establish a committee to further study the issue, including any legal implications.
A little update on Michael Cohen, from The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly.A little update on Michael Cohen, from The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly.
Exciting news from the Daily Beast – if you’re like me and find books about American politics under Trump exciting. If you’re not, look away now.Exciting news from the Daily Beast – if you’re like me and find books about American politics under Trump exciting. If you’re not, look away now.
Former Trump lawyer and fixer turned federal-prisoner-not-released-during-the-pandemic-as-first-seemed-likely, Michael Cohen is writing a tell-all book about his former boss, which we knew already. But the Beast reveals that Rosie O’Donnell, one of Trump’s favourite targets for invective and misogynistic abuse, is helping.Former Trump lawyer and fixer turned federal-prisoner-not-released-during-the-pandemic-as-first-seemed-likely, Michael Cohen is writing a tell-all book about his former boss, which we knew already. But the Beast reveals that Rosie O’Donnell, one of Trump’s favourite targets for invective and misogynistic abuse, is helping.
“Michael and I talked a lot about how he got involved in Trump,” O’Donnell told the Beast, “how it’s a cult, and what role he played not only in Trump Inc but also Trump’s own family, including how much he dealt with Barron and Melania.“Michael and I talked a lot about how he got involved in Trump,” O’Donnell told the Beast, “how it’s a cult, and what role he played not only in Trump Inc but also Trump’s own family, including how much he dealt with Barron and Melania.
“One thing he said to me that was shocking was that one of the nicest people he’s ever met in his life is Melania Trump. He said, ‘I swear to you. She’s a great mother, she’s a great woman, and she’s in a predicament with him and doing her best to get through it.’”“One thing he said to me that was shocking was that one of the nicest people he’s ever met in his life is Melania Trump. He said, ‘I swear to you. She’s a great mother, she’s a great woman, and she’s in a predicament with him and doing her best to get through it.’”
Cohen has a lot to tell if he chooses and if Trump fails to stop him publishing:Cohen has a lot to tell if he chooses and if Trump fails to stop him publishing:
Concern about contracting the coronavirus has fallen even as more Americans report knowing someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a new Monmouth University poll.Concern about contracting the coronavirus has fallen even as more Americans report knowing someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a new Monmouth University poll.
The survey found that 42% of Americans are very concerned that a family member will get seriously ill from the coronavirus, down from 50% in April.The survey found that 42% of Americans are very concerned that a family member will get seriously ill from the coronavirus, down from 50% in April.
As parts of New York prepare to re-open on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo says the number of new infections has fallen to the rate it was on March 19, when he says the state “went into the abyss.”As parts of New York prepare to re-open on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo says the number of new infections has fallen to the rate it was on March 19, when he says the state “went into the abyss.”
New York, which was the worst hit state in the nation, will begin to lift its statewide restrictions on 15 May.New York, which was the worst hit state in the nation, will begin to lift its statewide restrictions on 15 May.
“This is the next big step in this historic journey,” Cuomo said.“This is the next big step in this historic journey,” Cuomo said.
“All the arrows are pointed in the right directions,” he said, noting that the number of hospitalizations and infection rates are in decline. The state is recording about 488 new infections per day, Cuomo says, which is “right about where we started before we went into the heart of this crisis.” There have been 161 new deaths in New York in the last 24 hours.“All the arrows are pointed in the right directions,” he said, noting that the number of hospitalizations and infection rates are in decline. The state is recording about 488 new infections per day, Cuomo says, which is “right about where we started before we went into the heart of this crisis.” There have been 161 new deaths in New York in the last 24 hours.
“We’re coming out of the other side,” Cuomo said. “In many ways, from my point of view, we’re on the other side of the mountain.”“We’re coming out of the other side,” Cuomo said. “In many ways, from my point of view, we’re on the other side of the mountain.”
To open, regions must meet the following criteria:To open, regions must meet the following criteria:
14-day decline in hospitalizations or under 15 new hospitalizations on average per day (across a three-day period.)14-day decline in hospitalizations or under 15 new hospitalizations on average per day (across a three-day period.)
14-day decline in hospitalized deaths or under 5 new deaths on average per day (across a three-day period.)14-day decline in hospitalized deaths or under 5 new deaths on average per day (across a three-day period.)
New hospitalizations - under 2 per 100,000 residents (across a three-day period.)New hospitalizations - under 2 per 100,000 residents (across a three-day period.)
Have at least 30% of hospital beds available in case of a surge in infectionsHave at least 30% of hospital beds available in case of a surge in infections
Have at least 30% of ICU beds available in case of a surge in infectionsHave at least 30% of ICU beds available in case of a surge in infections
Ability to administer 30 tests per 1,000 residents (across a 7-day average of new tests per day.)Ability to administer 30 tests per 1,000 residents (across a 7-day average of new tests per day.)
Presence of 30 contact-tracers per 100,000 residentsPresence of 30 contact-tracers per 100,000 residents
Weeks after right-wing protests erupted in response to states’ stay-at-home orders, there is some evidence that attendees have now contracted the virus.Weeks after right-wing protests erupted in response to states’ stay-at-home orders, there is some evidence that attendees have now contracted the virus.
According to Up North News in Wisconsin, 72 residents who reported attending a large gathering in the past two weeks have tested positive for Covid-19. The state did not ask individuals to specify which event they attended. But two weeks ago, 1,500 people gathered at a rally at the state’s Capitol in Madison in violation of the state’s social distancing restrictions. Photographs of the event show mask-less participants standing next to each other in a large crowd.According to Up North News in Wisconsin, 72 residents who reported attending a large gathering in the past two weeks have tested positive for Covid-19. The state did not ask individuals to specify which event they attended. But two weeks ago, 1,500 people gathered at a rally at the state’s Capitol in Madison in violation of the state’s social distancing restrictions. Photographs of the event show mask-less participants standing next to each other in a large crowd.
At the rally, the paper notes, some speakers said “they were not afraid to die or afraid of the coronavirus, with many hosting signs calling the pandemic a hoax.”At the rally, the paper notes, some speakers said “they were not afraid to die or afraid of the coronavirus, with many hosting signs calling the pandemic a hoax.”
Wisconsin, a battleground state in November, is governed by Tony Evers, a Democrat.Wisconsin, a battleground state in November, is governed by Tony Evers, a Democrat.
Later on Monday, the Michigan state capitol commission will vote on whether to allow firearms in the Capitol building, after demonstrators carried military-style weapons into the building at a recent protest against the governor’s stay-at-home order.Later on Monday, the Michigan state capitol commission will vote on whether to allow firearms in the Capitol building, after demonstrators carried military-style weapons into the building at a recent protest against the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Michigan is also a battleground state led by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer,Michigan is also a battleground state led by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer,
In between re-tweeting and amplifying conspiracies about his predecessor, Trump also remarked on the state of coronavirus spread in the US. Let’s unpack that Tweet.In between re-tweeting and amplifying conspiracies about his predecessor, Trump also remarked on the state of coronavirus spread in the US. Let’s unpack that Tweet.
Trump says “coronavirus numbers are looking MUCH better, going down almost everywhere.”Trump says “coronavirus numbers are looking MUCH better, going down almost everywhere.”
Here’s what we know. Nearly 1,330,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the US, more than any other nation on the planet, and at least 79,500 have died, according to a Johns Hopkins database.Here’s what we know. Nearly 1,330,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the US, more than any other nation on the planet, and at least 79,500 have died, according to a Johns Hopkins database.
Trump’s assessment is vague – “coronavirus numbers” could mean many things. But here’s what we know.Trump’s assessment is vague – “coronavirus numbers” could mean many things. But here’s what we know.
According to a New York Times database, new cases are decreasing in just 14 states of 50 states. Among them are densely populated states like New York and Michigan, which were among the hardest hit. The list also includes sparsely-populated states like Montana and Alaska.According to a New York Times database, new cases are decreasing in just 14 states of 50 states. Among them are densely populated states like New York and Michigan, which were among the hardest hit. The list also includes sparsely-populated states like Montana and Alaska.
New cases are still rising in nine US states, including states like Arizona that is pressing ahead with its re-opening on Monday. In the remaining states, the growth rate of new cases has remained relatively steady.New cases are still rising in nine US states, including states like Arizona that is pressing ahead with its re-opening on Monday. In the remaining states, the growth rate of new cases has remained relatively steady.
There is no national strategy for re-opening beyond general guidelines issued by the White House, which have largely been ignored by the president and Republican-led states that moved without meeting the requirements laid out in the guidance.There is no national strategy for re-opening beyond general guidelines issued by the White House, which have largely been ignored by the president and Republican-led states that moved without meeting the requirements laid out in the guidance.
On Monday, Trump slammed Pennsylvania, a battleground state led by a Democratic governor, for not moving faster to reopen its economy. In the tweet, he broadened his attack to accused Democrats across the country of intentionally slowing their states’ return to normalcy to hurt his chances of re-election.On Monday, Trump slammed Pennsylvania, a battleground state led by a Democratic governor, for not moving faster to reopen its economy. In the tweet, he broadened his attack to accused Democrats across the country of intentionally slowing their states’ return to normalcy to hurt his chances of re-election.
Trump has loudly pressured states to re-open, sparring with Democratic governors who are proceeding more cautiously. He has also encouraged support for right-wing protests against social distancing restrictions.Trump has loudly pressured states to re-open, sparring with Democratic governors who are proceeding more cautiously. He has also encouraged support for right-wing protests against social distancing restrictions.
The Associated Press has reported that top White House officials for weeks suppressed guidelines for re-opening the economy drafted by the nation’s top disease control experts.The Associated Press has reported that top White House officials for weeks suppressed guidelines for re-opening the economy drafted by the nation’s top disease control experts.
Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly spend weeks preparing guidance to help schools, child care centers, businesses, bars and restaurants reopen. Their plan featured a phased re-opening, that advised “communities as a whole on testing, contact tracing and other fundamental infection control measures.”Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly spend weeks preparing guidance to help schools, child care centers, businesses, bars and restaurants reopen. Their plan featured a phased re-opening, that advised “communities as a whole on testing, contact tracing and other fundamental infection control measures.”
Robert Redfield, the CDC director, defended the decision not to release the guidance, saying in a statement that he had not formally approved the guidance. Redfield’s statement contradicts his own internal emails that were leaked to the AP.Robert Redfield, the CDC director, defended the decision not to release the guidance, saying in a statement that he had not formally approved the guidance. Redfield’s statement contradicts his own internal emails that were leaked to the AP.
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to publicly accuse China of attempting to steal coronavirus-related research.The Trump administration is reportedly planning to publicly accuse China of attempting to steal coronavirus-related research.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal: The administration is preparing to “issue a warning that hackers tied to the Chinese government are attempting to pilfer information from US researchers working on the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine, according to a person familiar with the matter.”According to a report in the Wall Street Journal: The administration is preparing to “issue a warning that hackers tied to the Chinese government are attempting to pilfer information from US researchers working on the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine, according to a person familiar with the matter.”
Trump has repeatedly blamed China for the spread of the virus, an effort his critics believe is an attempt to shift blame for the administration’s handling of the pandemic. Trump and Republicans have adopted a strategy of blaming China, and in turn hammering Biden and Democrats for their posture toward the world’s second largest economy, ahead of the 2020 elections.Trump has repeatedly blamed China for the spread of the virus, an effort his critics believe is an attempt to shift blame for the administration’s handling of the pandemic. Trump and Republicans have adopted a strategy of blaming China, and in turn hammering Biden and Democrats for their posture toward the world’s second largest economy, ahead of the 2020 elections.
Last week, House Republicans set up a China task force to develop legislation in response to the apparent threats posed by the country. In announcing the effort, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy cited Beijing’s failure to disclose information about the coronavirus after it was first discovered in Wuhan.Last week, House Republicans set up a China task force to develop legislation in response to the apparent threats posed by the country. In announcing the effort, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy cited Beijing’s failure to disclose information about the coronavirus after it was first discovered in Wuhan.
The Trump campaign has also released a number of ads hammering Biden for his past remarks about China, including opposing elements of the administration’s decision to impose restriction on travel from China in January. Biden’s campaign fired back last month with an ad attacking Trump for his relationship with China, highlighting his flattery of the nation’s president, Xi Jinping.The Trump campaign has also released a number of ads hammering Biden for his past remarks about China, including opposing elements of the administration’s decision to impose restriction on travel from China in January. Biden’s campaign fired back last month with an ad attacking Trump for his relationship with China, highlighting his flattery of the nation’s president, Xi Jinping.
A fundraising email from the Trump campaign on Monday teased a coming onslaught of China-focused attacks.A fundraising email from the Trump campaign on Monday teased a coming onslaught of China-focused attacks.
“I’ll be honest with you - there are few things I enjoy more than watching the Left get TRIGGERED by Joe Biden’s CORRUPT past with China, which is why I’ve been looking forward to this week so much,” Trump wrote in the email to supporters, noting that the campaign is launching a $10m ad blitz to frame Biden as China’s “DREAM candidate.”“I’ll be honest with you - there are few things I enjoy more than watching the Left get TRIGGERED by Joe Biden’s CORRUPT past with China, which is why I’ve been looking forward to this week so much,” Trump wrote in the email to supporters, noting that the campaign is launching a $10m ad blitz to frame Biden as China’s “DREAM candidate.”
Bloomberg is reporting that Ezra Cohen, a former Trump intelligence aide who left the White House amid controversy in 2017, is returning to the administration as a top official at the Defense Department.Bloomberg is reporting that Ezra Cohen, a former Trump intelligence aide who left the White House amid controversy in 2017, is returning to the administration as a top official at the Defense Department.
According to the report, which cites three sources with knowledge of the situation, Cohen, has been named deputy assistant to the secretary of Defense for counter-narcotics and global threats. His first day was Monday.According to the report, which cites three sources with knowledge of the situation, Cohen, has been named deputy assistant to the secretary of Defense for counter-narcotics and global threats. His first day was Monday.
As a refresher on who Cohen is, and why he left, Bloomberg explains:As a refresher on who Cohen is, and why he left, Bloomberg explains:
His re-hiring comes after the Justice Department dropped charges against Flynn for lying to FBI agents about his conversations with the Russian ambassador ahead of Trump’s inauguration.His re-hiring comes after the Justice Department dropped charges against Flynn for lying to FBI agents about his conversations with the Russian ambassador ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
The position does not require Senate confirmation and has not been formally announced.The position does not require Senate confirmation and has not been formally announced.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
Politico is reporting that the House stimulus bill being prepared by Democrats who hold the chamber could be out as early as this evening.Politico is reporting that the House stimulus bill being prepared by Democrats who hold the chamber could be out as early as this evening.
That doesn’t mean new checks are coming to American households hammered by spiraling unemployment – the bill hasn’t got a chance in hell of passing because, for one, the White House has been saying for weeks it won’t play ball. Trump aides including treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin spent Sunday pushing their own priorities, including a payroll tax cut (eg, cutting Social Security and Medicare) and concessions tied to hardline policy priorities on immigration, which Democrats … are not very likely to entertain.That doesn’t mean new checks are coming to American households hammered by spiraling unemployment – the bill hasn’t got a chance in hell of passing because, for one, the White House has been saying for weeks it won’t play ball. Trump aides including treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin spent Sunday pushing their own priorities, including a payroll tax cut (eg, cutting Social Security and Medicare) and concessions tied to hardline policy priorities on immigration, which Democrats … are not very likely to entertain.
But it’ll be interesting to see what’s in the Democratic bill nonetheless. Here’s more from Politico’s morning Playbook:But it’ll be interesting to see what’s in the Democratic bill nonetheless. Here’s more from Politico’s morning Playbook:
That’s a definite non-starter with Trump and Republicans, who do not, to put it lightly, like measures meant to make voting easier and to restrict voter suppression. Oh no.That’s a definite non-starter with Trump and Republicans, who do not, to put it lightly, like measures meant to make voting easier and to restrict voter suppression. Oh no.
Politico continues:Politico continues:
Here’s our business editor, Dominic Rushe, on the economic crisis:Here’s our business editor, Dominic Rushe, on the economic crisis:
Trump is tweeting this morning.Trump is tweeting this morning.
To begin, he re-tweeted himself re-tweeting a supporter whose Twitter bio describes himself as a “political animal” who has been “RT’d by @realDonaldTrump.” Trump added: “OBAMAGATE.”To begin, he re-tweeted himself re-tweeting a supporter whose Twitter bio describes himself as a “political animal” who has been “RT’d by @realDonaldTrump.” Trump added: “OBAMAGATE.”
Trump has been tweeting this phrase throughout the weekend, sharing memes and posts from rightwing talking heads claiming an anti-Trump conspiracy involving Barack Obama. This preoccupation with amplifying a baseless conspiracy about his predecessor comes as the US death toll nears 80,000.Trump has been tweeting this phrase throughout the weekend, sharing memes and posts from rightwing talking heads claiming an anti-Trump conspiracy involving Barack Obama. This preoccupation with amplifying a baseless conspiracy about his predecessor comes as the US death toll nears 80,000.
He continued with the conspiracy-minded theme in a Tweet moments later in which he framed his re-election as a battle between himself and a “rigged media” vowing: “WE WILL WIN AGAIN.”He continued with the conspiracy-minded theme in a Tweet moments later in which he framed his re-election as a battle between himself and a “rigged media” vowing: “WE WILL WIN AGAIN.”
Former vice president Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, penned an op-ed in The Washington Post this morning titled: “How the White House coronavirus response presents us with a false choice.” The editorial gives us a preview of how Biden intends to make testing – and the White House’s access to it – a major issue on the campaign trail.Former vice president Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, penned an op-ed in The Washington Post this morning titled: “How the White House coronavirus response presents us with a false choice.” The editorial gives us a preview of how Biden intends to make testing – and the White House’s access to it – a major issue on the campaign trail.
In the op-ed, Biden accuses Trump of attempting to “split the country into dueling camps, casting Democrats as doomsayers hoping to keep America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy.”In the op-ed, Biden accuses Trump of attempting to “split the country into dueling camps, casting Democrats as doomsayers hoping to keep America grounded and Republicans as freedom fighters trying to liberate the economy.”
The editorial from Biden comes as the Trump re-election campaign is expected to unload a new series of attacks on their opponent after holding back due to the coronavirus pandemic.The editorial from Biden comes as the Trump re-election campaign is expected to unload a new series of attacks on their opponent after holding back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden has been careful yet pointed in his criticism of Trump’s handling of the virus. But in recent weeks, the Democrat, who is waging a battle for the presidency from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, has stepped up his denunciations of the president’s response, blaming him for not taking preliminary measures that might have mitigated the virus’s deadly toll.Biden has been careful yet pointed in his criticism of Trump’s handling of the virus. But in recent weeks, the Democrat, who is waging a battle for the presidency from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, has stepped up his denunciations of the president’s response, blaming him for not taking preliminary measures that might have mitigated the virus’s deadly toll.
Read the editorial here. And read more about Biden’s home-brewed presidential campaign – and the technical challenges that come with it – below.Read the editorial here. And read more about Biden’s home-brewed presidential campaign – and the technical challenges that come with it – below.
The head of a coronavirus research institute whose funding was cut by the Trump administration has spoken of his concern that the US could be ill-prepared for future virus outbreaks.The head of a coronavirus research institute whose funding was cut by the Trump administration has spoken of his concern that the US could be ill-prepared for future virus outbreaks.
EcoHealth Alliance, a US group which studies coronaviruses in China, had its grant terminated at the end of April by the National Institutes of Health. The group has worked with the Wuhan Institute of Virology to research potential new viruses, and it seems EcoHealth Alliance may have suffered with input from false information peddled by the right.EcoHealth Alliance, a US group which studies coronaviruses in China, had its grant terminated at the end of April by the National Institutes of Health. The group has worked with the Wuhan Institute of Virology to research potential new viruses, and it seems EcoHealth Alliance may have suffered with input from false information peddled by the right.
“I’m really concerned about where this leaves us,” Peter Daszak, director of EcoHealth Alliance, told USA Today.“I’m really concerned about where this leaves us,” Peter Daszak, director of EcoHealth Alliance, told USA Today.
In the weeks before the funding was cut, prominent Trump cheerleader and Republican congressman Matt Gaetz falsely claimed the government had granted money directly to the Wuhan Institute, which the Trump administration and its supporters have sought, without offering evidence, to tie to the origins of the outbreak.In the weeks before the funding was cut, prominent Trump cheerleader and Republican congressman Matt Gaetz falsely claimed the government had granted money directly to the Wuhan Institute, which the Trump administration and its supporters have sought, without offering evidence, to tie to the origins of the outbreak.
While EcoHealth worked with the Wuhan Institute, which is widely respected for its research, the government had not given money to the Wuhan Institute.While EcoHealth worked with the Wuhan Institute, which is widely respected for its research, the government had not given money to the Wuhan Institute.
This is what our world affairs editor, Julian Borger, wrote on the Institute recently:This is what our world affairs editor, Julian Borger, wrote on the Institute recently:
Daszak told USA Today: “Once we’ve overcome Covid-19, what about Covid-20? What about Covid-21? Who is going to go out and find those? Our grant was specifically designed to locate where these viruses are and to stop them from harming Americans.”Daszak told USA Today: “Once we’ve overcome Covid-19, what about Covid-20? What about Covid-21? Who is going to go out and find those? Our grant was specifically designed to locate where these viruses are and to stop them from harming Americans.”
On Sunday night CBS News’ 60 Minutes ran an interview with Daszak and the epidemiologist Maureen Miller, who has worked with EcoHealth and the Wuhan Institute, on Sunday night. Both seemed baffled by the funding cut.On Sunday night CBS News’ 60 Minutes ran an interview with Daszak and the epidemiologist Maureen Miller, who has worked with EcoHealth and the Wuhan Institute, on Sunday night. Both seemed baffled by the funding cut.
“I was shocked. I was really, really surprised,” Miller said. “It stops the research that’s essential to understanding where pandemics like the one we’re going through, where they start.”“I was shocked. I was really, really surprised,” Miller said. “It stops the research that’s essential to understanding where pandemics like the one we’re going through, where they start.”
The interview upset Donald Trump:The interview upset Donald Trump:
There are a lot of reports around about Mike Pence, negative tests, Dr Fauci, self-isolation or not, and possible new White House guidelines for those who work in the inner sanctums. Sanctums? Sanctae? I think sanctums. Evidently I haven’t Googled it.There are a lot of reports around about Mike Pence, negative tests, Dr Fauci, self-isolation or not, and possible new White House guidelines for those who work in the inner sanctums. Sanctums? Sanctae? I think sanctums. Evidently I haven’t Googled it.
It’s not surprising this should be so, given that as Bloomberg News reports here, a senior general tested positive for Covid-19 at the White House on Saturday, shortly before meeting the president and his national security team. According to Bloomberg:It’s not surprising this should be so, given that as Bloomberg News reports here, a senior general tested positive for Covid-19 at the White House on Saturday, shortly before meeting the president and his national security team. According to Bloomberg:
For further reading, two interesting tweets, one from ABC News and one from CNN:For further reading, two interesting tweets, one from ABC News and one from CNN:
Stelter and Diamond get to the heart of the matter, of course.Stelter and Diamond get to the heart of the matter, of course.
As our chief reporter Ed Pilkington noted on Sunday: “News that three core members of the US pandemic task force were having to go into some degree of self-isolation could not come at a worse time for Donald Trump. The president is trying to project an image of confidence and resolution as he encourages states to reopen their economies, while his administration is proving unable to keep the virus at bay even within the White House.”As our chief reporter Ed Pilkington noted on Sunday: “News that three core members of the US pandemic task force were having to go into some degree of self-isolation could not come at a worse time for Donald Trump. The president is trying to project an image of confidence and resolution as he encourages states to reopen their economies, while his administration is proving unable to keep the virus at bay even within the White House.”
Trump, by the by, didn’t just tweet about Russia and Michael Flynn and Barack Obama on Sunday. He also mentioned Mother’s Day a couple of times, boasted about the coronavirus response, and attacked the media. Stelter was among his targets, as it happens, as was Chuck Todd of NBC and the whole of CBS 60 Minutes.Trump, by the by, didn’t just tweet about Russia and Michael Flynn and Barack Obama on Sunday. He also mentioned Mother’s Day a couple of times, boasted about the coronavirus response, and attacked the media. Stelter was among his targets, as it happens, as was Chuck Todd of NBC and the whole of CBS 60 Minutes.
More from Pence. This is from Mike Allen of Axios, formerly of Politico and a pillar of Washington political journalism and/or gossip, which are of course in many forms basically the very same thing:More from Pence. This is from Mike Allen of Axios, formerly of Politico and a pillar of Washington political journalism and/or gossip, which are of course in many forms basically the very same thing:
On masks, Pence says “some people do wear masks” and “I think we’ll listen very carefully to the White House physician’s office”.On masks, Pence says “some people do wear masks” and “I think we’ll listen very carefully to the White House physician’s office”.
So that’s not a yes.So that’s not a yes.
Pence, remember, toured the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota without a mask, against clinic policy, and got into whole lot of bother about it. In Arizona, Trump then one-upped him by touring a factory that was making masks and didn’t wear a mask. He also did so to the sound of Live and Let Die, thus proving my theory that we are in fact living in the Matrix but it isn’t being controlled by the Wachowskis – it’s being programmed by Armando Iannucci.Pence, remember, toured the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota without a mask, against clinic policy, and got into whole lot of bother about it. In Arizona, Trump then one-upped him by touring a factory that was making masks and didn’t wear a mask. He also did so to the sound of Live and Let Die, thus proving my theory that we are in fact living in the Matrix but it isn’t being controlled by the Wachowskis – it’s being programmed by Armando Iannucci.
On Flynn. The retired general, remember, was fired as Trump’s national security adviser for lying to Pence about conversations with Russians, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with Russians (as Trump acknowledged) and co-operated with special counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of lots of conversations about and with Russians before changing his mind and seeking to withdraw his plea.On Flynn. The retired general, remember, was fired as Trump’s national security adviser for lying to Pence about conversations with Russians, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with Russians (as Trump acknowledged) and co-operated with special counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of lots of conversations about and with Russians before changing his mind and seeking to withdraw his plea.
All that, and last week the justice department said it would drop the case against him, prompting Trump’s Sunday Twitter tear-up.All that, and last week the justice department said it would drop the case against him, prompting Trump’s Sunday Twitter tear-up.
Pence:Pence:
An update on whether Mike Pence is self-isolating or not, via the New York Times:An update on whether Mike Pence is self-isolating or not, via the New York Times:
…and welcome to another day of coverage of the coronavirus, and the politics around it, in the US. I always start with the numbers from Johns Hopkins University:…and welcome to another day of coverage of the coronavirus, and the politics around it, in the US. I always start with the numbers from Johns Hopkins University:
US cases: 1,329,631US cases: 1,329,631
US deaths: 79,523US deaths: 79,523
New York cases: 335,395New York cases: 335,395
New York deaths: 26,641New York deaths: 26,641
As always, New York is singled out because it is by far the state worst hit. But others have it bad (New Jersey has more than 9,000 deaths, Massachusetts nearly 5,000, Michigan around 4,500) and many are having it worse, with confirmed cases increasing even as most attempt some degree of economic reopening.As always, New York is singled out because it is by far the state worst hit. But others have it bad (New Jersey has more than 9,000 deaths, Massachusetts nearly 5,000, Michigan around 4,500) and many are having it worse, with confirmed cases increasing even as most attempt some degree of economic reopening.
Oliver Laughland, our southern bureau chief, has been writing and co-ordinating some fine coverage of such efforts. Here’s his report from Biloxi, Mississippi, and a story about Texas, co-written with Erum Salam there and Nina Lakhani in New York:Oliver Laughland, our southern bureau chief, has been writing and co-ordinating some fine coverage of such efforts. Here’s his report from Biloxi, Mississippi, and a story about Texas, co-written with Erum Salam there and Nina Lakhani in New York:
Politically, the main story of the weekend was an outbreak of cases in the White House and Donald Trump’s reaction. Aides spread across the shows to counsel calm but the New York Times reported that the president was “spooked”, as public health experts including Dr Anthony Fauci went into isolation.Politically, the main story of the weekend was an outbreak of cases in the White House and Donald Trump’s reaction. Aides spread across the shows to counsel calm but the New York Times reported that the president was “spooked”, as public health experts including Dr Anthony Fauci went into isolation.
He may have been – he will likely say he wasn’t, or isn’t – but Trump in part reacted by going on an absolute Twitter tear-up about Russia, Michael Flynn and, most saliently, Barack Obama. Here’s my write-up of what the president would like to call “Obamagate”, as he retweets conspiracy-tinged accounts about his successor’s supposed complicity in “the biggest political crime in American history”:He may have been – he will likely say he wasn’t, or isn’t – but Trump in part reacted by going on an absolute Twitter tear-up about Russia, Michael Flynn and, most saliently, Barack Obama. Here’s my write-up of what the president would like to call “Obamagate”, as he retweets conspiracy-tinged accounts about his successor’s supposed complicity in “the biggest political crime in American history”:
One would imagine that somewhere, Obama himself is laughing. And, as he told alumni of his administration on Friday in remarks that may have had something to do with the president’s mood, getting ready to hit the trail (virtually or otherwise) for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.One would imagine that somewhere, Obama himself is laughing. And, as he told alumni of his administration on Friday in remarks that may have had something to do with the president’s mood, getting ready to hit the trail (virtually or otherwise) for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
More to come, obviously.More to come, obviously.
One other thing now, which is that on Sunday Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate health committee, expressed strong skepticism about Trump’s predictions for how soon a coronavirus vaccine will be found. Not long after that, it was announced that Alexander himself will be entering self-isolation, after a staffer tested positive for Covid-19.One other thing now, which is that on Sunday Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate health committee, expressed strong skepticism about Trump’s predictions for how soon a coronavirus vaccine will be found. Not long after that, it was announced that Alexander himself will be entering self-isolation, after a staffer tested positive for Covid-19.
So, in fact, in some form, will the vice-president, Mike Pence, who aides said tested negative on Sunday after his press secretary Katie Miller, who is married to Trump policy aide Stephen Miller, tested positive.So, in fact, in some form, will the vice-president, Mike Pence, who aides said tested negative on Sunday after his press secretary Katie Miller, who is married to Trump policy aide Stephen Miller, tested positive.
It all means many things, but here’s two. Alexander will chair a key Senate hearing on Tuesday remotely, just as Fauci and fellow doctors Robert Redfield and Stephen Hahn will testify before him remotely. To the symbolically minded, after so many weeks in lockdown, that may seem symbolic of how Washington has never really got a hold on this crisis.It all means many things, but here’s two. Alexander will chair a key Senate hearing on Tuesday remotely, just as Fauci and fellow doctors Robert Redfield and Stephen Hahn will testify before him remotely. To the symbolically minded, after so many weeks in lockdown, that may seem symbolic of how Washington has never really got a hold on this crisis.
Also, Trump’s scheduled Rose Garden press briefing on testing today at 4pm may seem more timely than ever.Also, Trump’s scheduled Rose Garden press briefing on testing today at 4pm may seem more timely than ever.