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| Coronavirus US live: gap grows between White House and experts over safety of reopening | Coronavirus US live: gap grows between White House and experts over safety of reopening |
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| Anthony Fauci and CDC director say pandemic is still not under control in the US while Trump pushes for the country to reopen | Anthony Fauci and CDC director say pandemic is still not under control in the US while Trump pushes for the country to reopen |
| Rick Bright, former director of a key office in the Department of Health and Human Services, will testify in front of the Senate tomorrow that the Trump administration was unprepared for the coronavirus pandemic and there will be dramatic consequences if the US fails to develop a national coordinated response, reports CNN. | |
| Documents of the prepared testimony indicate that Bright will tell Congress that he fears “the pandemic will get far worse and be prolonged” without a response “based in science”. | |
| “Without clear planning and implementation of the steps that I and other experts have outlined, 2020 will be [the] darkest winter in modern history.” | |
| Bright was removed from his position as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority within the health and human services department. Bright will tell Congress that he was removed because he voiced dissent to widespread use of the anti-malaria drug Trump touted in April, with no scientific backing, as a potential cure to the virus. | |
| In a whistleblower complaint released earlier this month, Bright also said that he had urged dramatic action in response to the potential pandemic in January but “encountered resistance from HHS leadership, including health and human services secretary [Alex] Azar, who appeared intent on downplaying this catastrophic event”. | |
| Bipartisan governors group calls for Congress to support state governments | Bipartisan governors group calls for Congress to support state governments |
| Republican Maryland governor Larry Hogan and Democratic New York governor Andrew Cuomo released a joint statement today as the leaders of the National Governors Association asking Congress to deliver “urgent state fiscal relief” to address the soaring costs states are bearing because of the Covid-19 crisis. | Republican Maryland governor Larry Hogan and Democratic New York governor Andrew Cuomo released a joint statement today as the leaders of the National Governors Association asking Congress to deliver “urgent state fiscal relief” to address the soaring costs states are bearing because of the Covid-19 crisis. |
| Says the statement: “Each day that Congress fails to act, states are being forced to make cuts that will devastate the essential services the American people rely on and destroy the economic recovery before it even gets off the ground.” | Says the statement: “Each day that Congress fails to act, states are being forced to make cuts that will devastate the essential services the American people rely on and destroy the economic recovery before it even gets off the ground.” |
| The statement comes on the heels of a $3 trillion stimulus package House Democrats unveiled yesterday, a chunk of which would go to aid state and local governments that are facing the need to enforce massive cuts in their budgets due to the crisis and lack of tax revenue. | The statement comes on the heels of a $3 trillion stimulus package House Democrats unveiled yesterday, a chunk of which would go to aid state and local governments that are facing the need to enforce massive cuts in their budgets due to the crisis and lack of tax revenue. |
| The association is calling for $500 billion to support state budgets and bolstered support in healthcare and emergency assistance costs. | The association is calling for $500 billion to support state budgets and bolstered support in healthcare and emergency assistance costs. |
| Former Watergate prosecutors tell judge not to dismiss Michael Flynn case | Former Watergate prosecutors tell judge not to dismiss Michael Flynn case |
| Sixteen former Watergate prosecutors told the federal judge overseeing the case of former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn that he should not dismiss the prosecution despite pressure from Trump’s justice department to drop it | Sixteen former Watergate prosecutors told the federal judge overseeing the case of former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn that he should not dismiss the prosecution despite pressure from Trump’s justice department to drop it |
| The former prosecutors filed the brief explaining their view on Monday, CNN reported last night. They told the judge that they offer “unique perspective on the need for independent scrutiny and oversight to ensure that crucial decisions about prosecutions of high-ranking government officials are made in public interest, are viewed as legitimate and are not subsequently reversed by political intervention.” | The former prosecutors filed the brief explaining their view on Monday, CNN reported last night. They told the judge that they offer “unique perspective on the need for independent scrutiny and oversight to ensure that crucial decisions about prosecutions of high-ranking government officials are made in public interest, are viewed as legitimate and are not subsequently reversed by political intervention.” |
| Yesterday, Emmett Sullivan, the judge overseeing the case, said he would allow outside parties to make their case as to why he should or should not drop the case, showing a hesitancy to immediately agree to the justice department’s request to drop the case. Last Thursday, the department said it was dropping its case against Flynn, who is accused of lying to the FBI about conversations he had with the Russian ambassador to the US. | Yesterday, Emmett Sullivan, the judge overseeing the case, said he would allow outside parties to make their case as to why he should or should not drop the case, showing a hesitancy to immediately agree to the justice department’s request to drop the case. Last Thursday, the department said it was dropping its case against Flynn, who is accused of lying to the FBI about conversations he had with the Russian ambassador to the US. |
| FEMA cancels $55m contract for N95 masks made by defense company | FEMA cancels $55m contract for N95 masks made by defense company |
| A defense company in Virginia signed a contract in April with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create 10 million N95 respirator masks for $55 million – over $5 by mask – by May 1. | A defense company in Virginia signed a contract in April with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create 10 million N95 respirator masks for $55 million – over $5 by mask – by May 1. |
| After the company, Panthera Worldwide LLC, has asked FEMA for multiple extensions, the agency cancelled the contract, the Washington Post reports. | After the company, Panthera Worldwide LLC, has asked FEMA for multiple extensions, the agency cancelled the contract, the Washington Post reports. |
| The company was one of the third-party vendors the federal government made high-dollar contracts with in its scramble to shore up the mask supply in the country. The Department of Health and Human Services, a separate department, finalized a separate $100 million contract for 10 million N95 masks, meaning each mask would cost the government $10. | The company was one of the third-party vendors the federal government made high-dollar contracts with in its scramble to shore up the mask supply in the country. The Department of Health and Human Services, a separate department, finalized a separate $100 million contract for 10 million N95 masks, meaning each mask would cost the government $10. |
| The Washington Post reported last month that the company had no history of manufacturing or distributing medical equipment. One of the company’s executives said in April he was working with his military contacts to get the masks | The Washington Post reported last month that the company had no history of manufacturing or distributing medical equipment. One of the company’s executives said in April he was working with his military contacts to get the masks |
| But after asking for a 10-day extension on May 1, and then asking for a second extension when their May 11 deadline passed, FEMA cancelled the contract. | But after asking for a 10-day extension on May 1, and then asking for a second extension when their May 11 deadline passed, FEMA cancelled the contract. |
| Biden and Sanders unveil ‘unity task force’ members | Biden and Sanders unveil ‘unity task force’ members |
| Joe Biden and his former rival, US senator Bernie Sanders, unveiled the members of the “unity task force” the two men agreed to create in an attempt to mend policy divides within the Democratic party. | Joe Biden and his former rival, US senator Bernie Sanders, unveiled the members of the “unity task force” the two men agreed to create in an attempt to mend policy divides within the Democratic party. |
| When Sanders announced his endorsement of Biden a week after he dropped out of the race, he said that the task force will work to find common ground among the moderate and progressive camps of the party. | When Sanders announced his endorsement of Biden a week after he dropped out of the race, he said that the task force will work to find common ground among the moderate and progressive camps of the party. |
| “It’s no great secret out there, Joe, that you and I have our differences. And we’re not going to paper them over, that’s real,” Sanders said. | “It’s no great secret out there, Joe, that you and I have our differences. And we’re not going to paper them over, that’s real,” Sanders said. |
| There are six subgroups within the task force, covering climate change, criminal justice reform, economy, education, healthcare and immigration. Each subgroup includes two co-chairs. | There are six subgroups within the task force, covering climate change, criminal justice reform, economy, education, healthcare and immigration. Each subgroup includes two co-chairs. |
| US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been tapped to be the co-chair, along with former secretary of state and early Biden supporter John Kerry, to head the climate change task force. | US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been tapped to be the co-chair, along with former secretary of state and early Biden supporter John Kerry, to head the climate change task force. |
| Ocasio-Cortez, an early champion of the Green New Deal, has yet to officially endorse Biden and said last month that the process of unifying the party should be “uncomfortable for everyone”. | Ocasio-Cortez, an early champion of the Green New Deal, has yet to officially endorse Biden and said last month that the process of unifying the party should be “uncomfortable for everyone”. |
| In a speech this morning, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell warned that Congress may need to approve more spending in order to prevent lasting damage on the US economy. | In a speech this morning, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell warned that Congress may need to approve more spending in order to prevent lasting damage on the US economy. |
| Powell said that while the US’ response to the crisis has been “both timely and appropriately large”, he noted that “the path ahead is highly uncertain and subject to significant downside risks”. | Powell said that while the US’ response to the crisis has been “both timely and appropriately large”, he noted that “the path ahead is highly uncertain and subject to significant downside risks”. |
| While he did not specify what measures he believes Congress should take to mitigate any potential downfall, he said: “Additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery.” | While he did not specify what measures he believes Congress should take to mitigate any potential downfall, he said: “Additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery.” |
| He noted that the tradeoff is for elected representatives “who wield powers of taxation and spending”. | He noted that the tradeoff is for elected representatives “who wield powers of taxation and spending”. |
| Powell’s speech comes in the wake of House Democrats unveiling a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package, which includes support for state and local governments, testing of the virus and another round of direct payments to Americans. The package is set to clash against Senate Republicans, who have already voiced opposition to the stimulus bill. | Powell’s speech comes in the wake of House Democrats unveiling a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package, which includes support for state and local governments, testing of the virus and another round of direct payments to Americans. The package is set to clash against Senate Republicans, who have already voiced opposition to the stimulus bill. |
| Leaders rush to affirm support of Fauci amid criticism | Leaders rush to affirm support of Fauci amid criticism |
| Leaders are starting to voice their support for Dr. Anthony Fauci after the epidemiologist was slammed yesterday by Fox News and a Republican Senator after testifying at the Senate’s hearing on the US coronavirus response. | Leaders are starting to voice their support for Dr. Anthony Fauci after the epidemiologist was slammed yesterday by Fox News and a Republican Senator after testifying at the Senate’s hearing on the US coronavirus response. |
| Last night, US Republican representative Liz Cheney, daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney, tweeted that Fauci “is one of the finest public servants we’ve ever had.” | Last night, US Republican representative Liz Cheney, daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney, tweeted that Fauci “is one of the finest public servants we’ve ever had.” |
| “He is not a partisan. His only interest is saving lives. We need his expertise and his judgment to defeat this virus,” she wrote. | “He is not a partisan. His only interest is saving lives. We need his expertise and his judgment to defeat this virus,” she wrote. |
| Democratic senator Kamala Harris similarly defended Fauci on an appearance on MSNBC last night. “God only knows what kind of repercussions he’s going to face for speaking the truth, but obviously he has the well-being of the American people as his priority, as opposed to the political patronage that his president thinks he’s due,” she said. | Democratic senator Kamala Harris similarly defended Fauci on an appearance on MSNBC last night. “God only knows what kind of repercussions he’s going to face for speaking the truth, but obviously he has the well-being of the American people as his priority, as opposed to the political patronage that his president thinks he’s due,” she said. |
| Yesterday, Fauci said during the Senate’s hearing that there are serious consequences if cities or states in the United States reopen too quickly: “There is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control,” he said. | Yesterday, Fauci said during the Senate’s hearing that there are serious consequences if cities or states in the United States reopen too quickly: “There is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control,” he said. |
| Fauci’s warning contradicts the stance of Trump and Republicans who have been gunning for a swift reopening to save the economy and took Fauci’s statement as a personal attack. | Fauci’s warning contradicts the stance of Trump and Republicans who have been gunning for a swift reopening to save the economy and took Fauci’s statement as a personal attack. |
| Rand Paul, a Republican senator from Kentucky, sparred with Fauci during the hearing yesterday when asking the epidemiologist why schools can’t reopen if children are seeing low virus-related death rate. | Rand Paul, a Republican senator from Kentucky, sparred with Fauci during the hearing yesterday when asking the epidemiologist why schools can’t reopen if children are seeing low virus-related death rate. |
| “As much as I respect you, Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end-all,” Paul said. “I don’t think you’re the one person that gets to make the decision.” | “As much as I respect you, Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end-all,” Paul said. “I don’t think you’re the one person that gets to make the decision.” |
| Later, on Fox News, host Tucker Carlson repeated Paul’s criticism of Fauci, saying: “He is not, and no one is, the one person who should be in charge when it comes to making long-term recommendations. This guy, Fauci, may be even more off-base than your average epidemiologist.” | Later, on Fox News, host Tucker Carlson repeated Paul’s criticism of Fauci, saying: “He is not, and no one is, the one person who should be in charge when it comes to making long-term recommendations. This guy, Fauci, may be even more off-base than your average epidemiologist.” |
| More from the key report on CDC gulf with White House | More from the key report on CDC gulf with White House |
| From the start, CDC staffers working on the guidance were uncomfortable tying it specifically to reopening, and voiced their objections to the White House officials tasked with approving the guidance for release, according to a CDC official granted anonymity because they were not cleared to speak with the press, the AP reports. | From the start, CDC staffers working on the guidance were uncomfortable tying it specifically to reopening, and voiced their objections to the White House officials tasked with approving the guidance for release, according to a CDC official granted anonymity because they were not cleared to speak with the press, the AP reports. |
| The CDC’s detailed guidance was eventually shelved by the administration April 30, according to internal government emails and CDC sources who were granted anonymity because they were not cleared to speak to the press. | The CDC’s detailed guidance was eventually shelved by the administration April 30, according to internal government emails and CDC sources who were granted anonymity because they were not cleared to speak to the press. |
| After the AP reported about the burying of the guidance last week, the White House asked the CDC to revive parts of it, which were sent back for approval, according to emails and interviews. | After the AP reported about the burying of the guidance last week, the White House asked the CDC to revive parts of it, which were sent back for approval, according to emails and interviews. |
| On Tuesday, CDC Director Robert Redfield testified before a US Senate committee that the recommendations would be released “soon.” He provided no further details. Internal government emails show that Redfield had repeatedly sought White House approval for CDC’s guidance, starting as early as April 10 | On Tuesday, CDC Director Robert Redfield testified before a US Senate committee that the recommendations would be released “soon.” He provided no further details. Internal government emails show that Redfield had repeatedly sought White House approval for CDC’s guidance, starting as early as April 10 |
| Both the CDC document and the White House’s published plan recommend communities reopen in phases as local cases of coronavirus subside. | Both the CDC document and the White House’s published plan recommend communities reopen in phases as local cases of coronavirus subside. |
| One of many differences, however, is advice for when communities should allow for the resumption of nonessential travel. | One of many differences, however, is advice for when communities should allow for the resumption of nonessential travel. |
| The shelved CDC guide advises communities to avoid all nonessential travel in phases of reopening until the last one, when cases are at the lowest levels. | The shelved CDC guide advises communities to avoid all nonessential travel in phases of reopening until the last one, when cases are at the lowest levels. |
| Even then, the CDC is cautious and advises only a “consideration” of the resumption of nonessential travel after 42 continuous days of declining cases of Covid-19. | Even then, the CDC is cautious and advises only a “consideration” of the resumption of nonessential travel after 42 continuous days of declining cases of Covid-19. |
| The White House plan, by contrast, recommends that communities “minimize” travel in Phase 1, and that in Phase 2, after 28 consecutive days of decline, “Non-essential travel can resume.” | The White House plan, by contrast, recommends that communities “minimize” travel in Phase 1, and that in Phase 2, after 28 consecutive days of decline, “Non-essential travel can resume.” |
| Details on shelved reopen guidance from disease control experts emerge | Details on shelved reopen guidance from disease control experts emerge |
| Advice from the nation’s top disease control experts on how to safely reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic included detailed instructive guidance and more restrictive measures than the plan released by the White House last month. | Advice from the nation’s top disease control experts on how to safely reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic included detailed instructive guidance and more restrictive measures than the plan released by the White House last month. |
| The guidance, which was shelved by Trump administration officials, also offered recommendations to help communities decide when to shut facilities down again during future flareups of Covid-19. | The guidance, which was shelved by Trump administration officials, also offered recommendations to help communities decide when to shut facilities down again during future flareups of Covid-19. |
| The Associated Press obtained a 63-page document that is more detailed than other, previously reported segments of the shelved guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). | The Associated Press obtained a 63-page document that is more detailed than other, previously reported segments of the shelved guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). |
| It shows how the thinking of the CDC infection control experts differs from those in the White House managing the pandemic response. | It shows how the thinking of the CDC infection control experts differs from those in the White House managing the pandemic response. |
| The White House’s “Opening Up America Again” plan that was released April 17 included some of the CDC’s approach, but made clear that the onus for reopening decisions was solely on state governors and local officials. | The White House’s “Opening Up America Again” plan that was released April 17 included some of the CDC’s approach, but made clear that the onus for reopening decisions was solely on state governors and local officials. |
| By contrast, the organizational tool created by the CDC advocates for a coordinated national response to give community leaders step-by-step instructions to “help Americans re-enter civic life,” with the idea that there would be resurgences of the virus and lots of customization needed. | By contrast, the organizational tool created by the CDC advocates for a coordinated national response to give community leaders step-by-step instructions to “help Americans re-enter civic life,” with the idea that there would be resurgences of the virus and lots of customization needed. |
| The White House said last week that the document was a draft and not ready for release. | The White House said last week that the document was a draft and not ready for release. |
| It contains the kinds of specifics that officials need to make informed decisions, some experts said. | It contains the kinds of specifics that officials need to make informed decisions, some experts said. |
| “The White House is pushing for reopening but the truth of the matter is the White House has just not had a comprehensive plan where all the pieces fit. They’re doing it piecemeal,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. | “The White House is pushing for reopening but the truth of the matter is the White House has just not had a comprehensive plan where all the pieces fit. They’re doing it piecemeal,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. |
| Such detailed advice should have been available much earlier, said Stephen Morse, a Columbia University expert on the spread of diseases. | Such detailed advice should have been available much earlier, said Stephen Morse, a Columbia University expert on the spread of diseases. |
| “Many different places are considering how to safely develop return-to-work procedures. Having more guidance on that earlier on might have been more reassuring to people. And it might have have prevented some cases,” Morse said. | “Many different places are considering how to safely develop return-to-work procedures. Having more guidance on that earlier on might have been more reassuring to people. And it might have have prevented some cases,” Morse said. |
| Good morning, US live blog readers, it’s a busy day ahead with all the developments in American politics and coronavirus news. Here are the main topics burning up the air waves, the news wires and the Twitterverse so far, it’s all on the Guardian’s radar, so stay tuned. | Good morning, US live blog readers, it’s a busy day ahead with all the developments in American politics and coronavirus news. Here are the main topics burning up the air waves, the news wires and the Twitterverse so far, it’s all on the Guardian’s radar, so stay tuned. |
| The gap between the White House and America’s leading public health experts is fast growing into a gulf. Anthony Fauci, head of the coronavirus task force, and Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gave a bleak assessment at a Senate hearing yesterday of a pandemic that is still out of control in the US, as Donald Trump pushes the country to reopen – and some high-profile Republicans are siding with those experts. But also today, The Associated Press has put out more details about the CDC plan for safe reopening that was shelved by the White House – detailing how the guidelines from that top federal public health agency differ significantly from the guidelines issued by the White House. We’ll get into all that. | The gap between the White House and America’s leading public health experts is fast growing into a gulf. Anthony Fauci, head of the coronavirus task force, and Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gave a bleak assessment at a Senate hearing yesterday of a pandemic that is still out of control in the US, as Donald Trump pushes the country to reopen – and some high-profile Republicans are siding with those experts. But also today, The Associated Press has put out more details about the CDC plan for safe reopening that was shelved by the White House – detailing how the guidelines from that top federal public health agency differ significantly from the guidelines issued by the White House. We’ll get into all that. |
| Covid-19 cases are spreading in America’s heartland, affecting places that had been largely spared before. It’s alarming and it’s affecting many areas that are strongly behind Donald Trump. The Guardian reports. | Covid-19 cases are spreading in America’s heartland, affecting places that had been largely spared before. It’s alarming and it’s affecting many areas that are strongly behind Donald Trump. The Guardian reports. |
| Paul Manafort, former Trump 2016 campaign chairman, has this morning reportedly been released from prison, where he was serving time for fraud, according to an ABC News scoop. ABC adds that he had been “serving out his more than seven-year sentence for charges related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation in a federal correctional institution in central Pennsylvania. He was found guilty of tax fraud and conspiracy and was sentenced by a federal judge in March 2019. He was slated to be released from prison November 4, 2024.” | Paul Manafort, former Trump 2016 campaign chairman, has this morning reportedly been released from prison, where he was serving time for fraud, according to an ABC News scoop. ABC adds that he had been “serving out his more than seven-year sentence for charges related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation in a federal correctional institution in central Pennsylvania. He was found guilty of tax fraud and conspiracy and was sentenced by a federal judge in March 2019. He was slated to be released from prison November 4, 2024.” |
| The US supreme court today will hear oral arguments in a dispute involving whether “electors” in the complex electoral college system that decides the winner of US presidential elections are free to disregard laws directing them to back the candidate who prevails in their state’s popular vote. If enough electors do so, Reuters writes, it could upend an election. | The US supreme court today will hear oral arguments in a dispute involving whether “electors” in the complex electoral college system that decides the winner of US presidential elections are free to disregard laws directing them to back the candidate who prevails in their state’s popular vote. If enough electors do so, Reuters writes, it could upend an election. |