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| President calls negative hydroxychloroquine study 'a Trump enemy statement' – live | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| President claimed to be taking anti-malarial drug despite FDA warnings, while Mike Pence said in a Fox News interview that he is not taking it | President claimed to be taking anti-malarial drug despite FDA warnings, while Mike Pence said in a Fox News interview that he is not taking it |
| Senate minority leader takes issue with inaction on coronavirus crisis, rails as president challenges “Trump enemy statement” on hydroxychloroquine. | |
| The frustration vibrates off the screen. Here’s New York Democrat and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer railing at Trump goings on on Capital Hill this afternoon. | |
| Trump wants to talk about hydroxychloroquine and how a recent, large study that showed dubious benefits and plenty of dangers in relation to Covid-19 patients and anyone taking it as a prophylactic must be down to bias against him. Schumer wants to talk about something else. | |
| This study: | |
| Donald Trump announced moments ago that he will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate “unnecessary regulations that impede economic recovery.” | |
| He said at a Cabinet meeting, Reuters reports: “I’m directing agencies to review the hundreds of regulations we’ve already suspended in response to the virus and make these suspensions permanent where possible.” | |
| Trump also tweeted this. Hand-shaking, back-slapping, not a mask in sight. | |
| This as Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, said any action on a new coronavirus-response bill could be “weeks away”. | |
| Republican senators said Trump talked about his polling numbers and upcoming nominations during the Senate lunch today. | Republican senators said Trump talked about his polling numbers and upcoming nominations during the Senate lunch today. |
| Senator John Cornyn said the president was “actually pretty proud” of his numbers, even though recent polls show Trump trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. | Senator John Cornyn said the president was “actually pretty proud” of his numbers, even though recent polls show Trump trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. |
| Asked if the president is frustrated he can’t hold rallies right now because of coronavirus restrictions, Cornyn said, “Of course he is.” Chuckling, Cornyn added, “That’s why he comes over here and talks to us.” | Asked if the president is frustrated he can’t hold rallies right now because of coronavirus restrictions, Cornyn said, “Of course he is.” Chuckling, Cornyn added, “That’s why he comes over here and talks to us.” |
| The vice president’s office distributed his full answer about not taking hydroxychloroquine, even though the president has apparently been using the drug in recent days. | The vice president’s office distributed his full answer about not taking hydroxychloroquine, even though the president has apparently been using the drug in recent days. |
| “I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician,” Mike Pence told Fox News in an interview at NASA’s Washington headquarters. | “I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician,” Mike Pence told Fox News in an interview at NASA’s Washington headquarters. |
| “Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that’s been around for more than 40 years for treatment of malaria. But, early in this process, the FDA approved what’s called off-label use where physicians could prescribe hydroxychloroquine in terms they deemed appropriate. | “Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that’s been around for more than 40 years for treatment of malaria. But, early in this process, the FDA approved what’s called off-label use where physicians could prescribe hydroxychloroquine in terms they deemed appropriate. |
| “So my physician has not recommended that, but I wouldn’t hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise.” | “So my physician has not recommended that, but I wouldn’t hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise.” |
| But the FDA has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus treatment outside of hospital settings, warning there have been “reports of serious heart rhythm problems” in coronavirus patients treated with the drug. | But the FDA has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus treatment outside of hospital settings, warning there have been “reports of serious heart rhythm problems” in coronavirus patients treated with the drug. |
| Pressed on his admission that he has been using hydroxychloroquine, the president claimed a study indicating the anti-malaria drug was not an effective coronavirus treatment was a “Trump enemy statement.” | Pressed on his admission that he has been using hydroxychloroquine, the president claimed a study indicating the anti-malaria drug was not an effective coronavirus treatment was a “Trump enemy statement.” |
| “If you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape,” Trump said. “They were very old. Almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement.” | “If you look at the one survey, the only bad survey, they were giving it to people that were in very bad shape,” Trump said. “They were very old. Almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement.” |
| The president appears to be referring to a study of hundreds of patients at US veterans health administration medical centers. In reality, that study showed patients treated with hydroxychloroquine were no less likely to need a ventilator and saw a higher death rate. | The president appears to be referring to a study of hundreds of patients at US veterans health administration medical centers. In reality, that study showed patients treated with hydroxychloroquine were no less likely to need a ventilator and saw a higher death rate. |
| According to the study’s results, 97 patients who took hydroxychloroquine had a 27.8% death rate, while the 158 patients who did not take the drug had an 11.4% death rate. | According to the study’s results, 97 patients who took hydroxychloroquine had a 27.8% death rate, while the 158 patients who did not take the drug had an 11.4% death rate. |
| It should also be noted that the president’s claim of the patients being “almost dead” would align with the Food and Drug Administration’s guidance that hydroxychloroquine should not be used outside a hospital setting. | It should also be noted that the president’s claim of the patients being “almost dead” would align with the Food and Drug Administration’s guidance that hydroxychloroquine should not be used outside a hospital setting. |
| The president’s odd statement that the medical study was a “Trump enemy statement” comes as many of his critics warn he is politicizing science in the middle of a pandemic. | The president’s odd statement that the medical study was a “Trump enemy statement” comes as many of his critics warn he is politicizing science in the middle of a pandemic. |
| Just minutes after saying he would not respond to Nancy Pelosi calling him “morbidly obsese,” Trump unexpectedly unleashed an attack against the House speaker. | Just minutes after saying he would not respond to Nancy Pelosi calling him “morbidly obsese,” Trump unexpectedly unleashed an attack against the House speaker. |
| “Pelosi is a sick woman,” Trump said while answering a reporter’s question about his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn. “She’s got a lot of problems, a lot of mental problems.” | “Pelosi is a sick woman,” Trump said while answering a reporter’s question about his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn. “She’s got a lot of problems, a lot of mental problems.” |
| The president quickly wrapped up his Q&A with reporters on Capitol Hill without providing much insight about what was discussed during the Senate Republican lunch he attended. | The president quickly wrapped up his Q&A with reporters on Capitol Hill without providing much insight about what was discussed during the Senate Republican lunch he attended. |
| When Republican senator Bill Cassidy was asked about the lunch, he told an MSNBC reporter, “The president was ... the president.” | When Republican senator Bill Cassidy was asked about the lunch, he told an MSNBC reporter, “The president was ... the president.” |
| Trump dismissed a critical comment from House speaker Nancy Pelosi about the president’s use of hydroxychloroquine. | Trump dismissed a critical comment from House speaker Nancy Pelosi about the president’s use of hydroxychloroquine. |
| Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill after the Senate Republican lunch, Trump said of Pelosi, “I don’t respond to her. I think she’s a waste of time.” | Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill after the Senate Republican lunch, Trump said of Pelosi, “I don’t respond to her. I think she’s a waste of time.” |
| Pelosi was asked yesterday about Trump using the anti-malaria drug, which he has touted as a potential coronavirus treatment despite little evidence to support that claim. | Pelosi was asked yesterday about Trump using the anti-malaria drug, which he has touted as a potential coronavirus treatment despite little evidence to support that claim. |
| “He’s our president, and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group and his, shall we say, weight group ... morbidly obese, they say,” she said. | “He’s our president, and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group and his, shall we say, weight group ... morbidly obese, they say,” she said. |
| Here’s where the day stands so far: | Here’s where the day stands so far: |
| Vice President Mike Pence said he is not taking hydroxychloroquine. The admission came one day after Trump said he has been taking hydroxychloroquine, even though there is scant evidence that the anti-malaria drug can effectively treat coronavirus. | Vice President Mike Pence said he is not taking hydroxychloroquine. The admission came one day after Trump said he has been taking hydroxychloroquine, even though there is scant evidence that the anti-malaria drug can effectively treat coronavirus. |
| Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and Fed chairman Jerome Powell virtually testified before the Senate banking committee. Mnuchin warned that an extended shutdown could cause “permanent damage” to the economy, while Powell indicated Congress should consider approving additional relief funds. | Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and Fed chairman Jerome Powell virtually testified before the Senate banking committee. Mnuchin warned that an extended shutdown could cause “permanent damage” to the economy, while Powell indicated Congress should consider approving additional relief funds. |
| New York governor Andrew Cuomo issued some thinly veiled criticism of Trump. “You’re not going to tweet your way through this,” Cuomo said of the government’s response to the crisis. | New York governor Andrew Cuomo issued some thinly veiled criticism of Trump. “You’re not going to tweet your way through this,” Cuomo said of the government’s response to the crisis. |
| The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn recaps New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing: | The Guardian’s Kenya Evelyn recaps New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s daily coronavirus briefing: |
| Cuomo appeared to take a swipe at Donald Trump, who faces mounting criticism for his response to the pandemic. | Cuomo appeared to take a swipe at Donald Trump, who faces mounting criticism for his response to the pandemic. |
| “You’re not going to tweet your way through this,” the Democratic governor said. “You have to be competent.” | “You’re not going to tweet your way through this,” the Democratic governor said. “You have to be competent.” |
| Cuomo insisted government is more important now than it’s ever been in his lifetime. With 105 deaths confirmed Tuesday, New York state has now reach nearly 23,000 reported deaths from the virus. | Cuomo insisted government is more important now than it’s ever been in his lifetime. With 105 deaths confirmed Tuesday, New York state has now reach nearly 23,000 reported deaths from the virus. |
| Still, the state’s Capital Region, which includes Albany in the East, will begin the first phase of its reopening on Wednesday. The area joins the state’s Western region, including Buffalo, which began reopening earlier this week. | Still, the state’s Capital Region, which includes Albany in the East, will begin the first phase of its reopening on Wednesday. The area joins the state’s Western region, including Buffalo, which began reopening earlier this week. |
| But when asked about any state cooperation with the federal government, Cuomo mostly reiterated the limits of a state government that “does not do borders and customs,” continuing his argument that the lack of an earlier European travel ban fueled the virus’ spread. | But when asked about any state cooperation with the federal government, Cuomo mostly reiterated the limits of a state government that “does not do borders and customs,” continuing his argument that the lack of an earlier European travel ban fueled the virus’ spread. |
| But Cuomo did urge the US Senate to act on a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would include relief funding for state and local governments. He also contended any coronavirus vaccine must be distributed to everyone once it is developed. | But Cuomo did urge the US Senate to act on a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would include relief funding for state and local governments. He also contended any coronavirus vaccine must be distributed to everyone once it is developed. |
| “It can’t be a situation where only the rich and only the privileged get the vaccine because only one company gets the rights and they can’t produce for everyone,” he said. | “It can’t be a situation where only the rich and only the privileged get the vaccine because only one company gets the rights and they can’t produce for everyone,” he said. |
| On the multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, the governor confirmed New York now has seen 137 cases of the illness that is linked to coronavirus. Cuomo said he expects things to get much worse before getting better. | On the multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, the governor confirmed New York now has seen 137 cases of the illness that is linked to coronavirus. Cuomo said he expects things to get much worse before getting better. |
| He then erroneously charged that New York was the first to raise a flag on the illness. Countries in Europe, including the UK and Italy, have recently released studies warning of the outbreak among children. | He then erroneously charged that New York was the first to raise a flag on the illness. Countries in Europe, including the UK and Italy, have recently released studies warning of the outbreak among children. |
| New York state will also start a 2-week pilot program to allow hospitals to admit visitors wearing personal protective equipment, the governor confirmed. The new measures are a relief for patients, many of whom have been gone without seeing family for weeks at a time. | New York state will also start a 2-week pilot program to allow hospitals to admit visitors wearing personal protective equipment, the governor confirmed. The new measures are a relief for patients, many of whom have been gone without seeing family for weeks at a time. |
| Cuomo also announced the state will allow Memorial Day ceremonies with 10 people or less to honor or mourn fallen military personnel. | Cuomo also announced the state will allow Memorial Day ceremonies with 10 people or less to honor or mourn fallen military personnel. |
| Trump was seen arriving on Capitol Hill for the Senate Republican lunch not wearing a mask, even though most lawmakers have been covering their faces in recent days. | Trump was seen arriving on Capitol Hill for the Senate Republican lunch not wearing a mask, even though most lawmakers have been covering their faces in recent days. |
| The president has been generally resistant to wearing a mask, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended face coverings to limit the spread of coronavirus. | The president has been generally resistant to wearing a mask, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended face coverings to limit the spread of coronavirus. |
| Trump is scheduled to tour a Ford Motors plant in Michigan tomorrow, and the company has said it will require him to wear a mask for the visit. | Trump is scheduled to tour a Ford Motors plant in Michigan tomorrow, and the company has said it will require him to wear a mask for the visit. |
| Trump has arrived on Capitol Hill, where the president will participate in the Senate Republican policy lunch. | Trump has arrived on Capitol Hill, where the president will participate in the Senate Republican policy lunch. |
| Deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement, “President Trump will attend the Senate GOP Policy Lunch in the Hart Office Building to thank senators for their work during this unprecedented crisis, discuss the progress safely opening up America again, and explore the path to economic prosperity for all Americans.” | Deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement, “President Trump will attend the Senate GOP Policy Lunch in the Hart Office Building to thank senators for their work during this unprecedented crisis, discuss the progress safely opening up America again, and explore the path to economic prosperity for all Americans.” |
| Vice President Mike Pence was on Capitol Hill earlier today to meet with Republican congressional leaders to discuss the next coronavirus relief package, but House minority leader Kevin McCarthy left the meeting saying, “I don’t see the need right now.” | Vice President Mike Pence was on Capitol Hill earlier today to meet with Republican congressional leaders to discuss the next coronavirus relief package, but House minority leader Kevin McCarthy left the meeting saying, “I don’t see the need right now.” |