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Coronavirus US live: experts urge caution on first holiday weekend of summer as deaths pass 94,000 | Coronavirus US live: experts urge caution on first holiday weekend of summer as deaths pass 94,000 |
(32 minutes later) | |
All 50 states have reopened for business in some fashion and there is potential for chaos and risk of infection, says Dr Anthony Fauci | All 50 states have reopened for business in some fashion and there is potential for chaos and risk of infection, says Dr Anthony Fauci |
Donald Trump is about to hold a briefing at the White House. | |
This was not originally scheduled. So we’ll see what the president has to say. Coronavirus deaths just passed the 95,000 mark in the US. | |
Joanna Walters will be taking over the blog for the next few hours. | |
Here’s where the day stands so far: | |
Dr Anthony Fauci urged Americans to take precautions when celebrating Memorial Day this weekend. “Go out, wear a mask. Stay six feet away from anyone you see,” Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said last night. | |
Trump said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would soon release guidance on reopening churches. The CDC and the White House have reportedly clashed over the issue, with administration officials pushing to reopen churches with no restrictions despite concerns about the spread of coronavirus. | |
Joe Biden was criticized for saying African American voters were not actually black if they were still deciding between him and Trump. “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black” Biden said in an interview with “The Breakfast Club.” The comment was criticized as “racist essentialism.” | |
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | |
Senator Tim Scott slammed Joe Biden’s comment about black voters as “arrogant” and “condescending” in an interview with Fox Business. | |
Biden said in an interview released earlier today, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” | |
Scott, the only African American Republican in the Senate, said in response, “Who in the heck does he think he is? That is the most arrogant, outrageous comment I’ve heard in a very long time, and I take offense to that.” | |
The South Carolina senator noted that 1.3 million African Americans voted for Trump in 2016, and he said the president had reversed some of the damage of the 1994 crime bill, which Biden helped write. | |
Similar to his other recent speeches, Trump’s remarks at the White House, which were meant to focus on honoring American veterans, turned overtly political as the president lashed out against Democrats. | Similar to his other recent speeches, Trump’s remarks at the White House, which were meant to focus on honoring American veterans, turned overtly political as the president lashed out against Democrats. |
Trump criticized Joe Biden for calling his response to coronavirus “xenophobic” and said Nancy Pelosi was “dancing in the streets of Chinatown” as coronavirus started to spread across the country. | Trump criticized Joe Biden for calling his response to coronavirus “xenophobic” and said Nancy Pelosi was “dancing in the streets of Chinatown” as coronavirus started to spread across the country. |
“These are sick people,” the president said before returning to the intended topic of his speech. | “These are sick people,” the president said before returning to the intended topic of his speech. |
The event ended with a surreal scene at the White House, with motorcyclists driving their bikes around the South Lawn while Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” played over speakers. | The event ended with a surreal scene at the White House, with motorcyclists driving their bikes around the South Lawn while Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” played over speakers. |
The scene made the Memorial Day event feel more like a Trump campaign rally, and some commentators were quick to say the display was inappropriate as the country’s coronavirus death toll approaches 100,000. | The scene made the Memorial Day event feel more like a Trump campaign rally, and some commentators were quick to say the display was inappropriate as the country’s coronavirus death toll approaches 100,000. |
Trump said he expected the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to soon release guidance on reopening churches and other places of worship. | Trump said he expected the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to soon release guidance on reopening churches and other places of worship. |
Speaking during a White House event honoring American veterans, the president said the agency unveil a “strong recommendation” on reopening churches. “We’re going to make that essential,” Trump said. | Speaking during a White House event honoring American veterans, the president said the agency unveil a “strong recommendation” on reopening churches. “We’re going to make that essential,” Trump said. |
The CDC and the White House have reportedly clashed over guidance to reopen churches, with Trump administration officials resisting any limitations on places of worship. | The CDC and the White House have reportedly clashed over guidance to reopen churches, with Trump administration officials resisting any limitations on places of worship. |
The CDC published a report earlier this week showing that an Arkansas church had been connected to dozens of coronavirus cases and three coronavirus deaths, raising concerns about relaxing restrictions on places of worship. | The CDC published a report earlier this week showing that an Arkansas church had been connected to dozens of coronavirus cases and three coronavirus deaths, raising concerns about relaxing restrictions on places of worship. |
Days after CNN raised questions about Tara Reade’s educational background, a spokesperson for Antioch University confirmed to the New York Times that she had not received a degree from the school. | Days after CNN raised questions about Tara Reade’s educational background, a spokesperson for Antioch University confirmed to the New York Times that she had not received a degree from the school. |
Defense lawyers in California are now reviewing cases in which Reade, who has accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, served as an expert witness on domestic violence, claiming she misrepesented her educational credentials in major cases. | Defense lawyers in California are now reviewing cases in which Reade, who has accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, served as an expert witness on domestic violence, claiming she misrepesented her educational credentials in major cases. |
The Times has more on that: | The Times has more on that: |
The lawyer representing Tara Reade, who has accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, has dropped her as a client. | The lawyer representing Tara Reade, who has accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, has dropped her as a client. |
“Our decision, made on May 20, is by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms. Reade,” Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement. | “Our decision, made on May 20, is by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms. Reade,” Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement. |
“On that point, our view — which is the same view held by the majority of Americans, according to a Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll — has not changed.” Biden has denied the accusation. | “On that point, our view — which is the same view held by the majority of Americans, according to a Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll — has not changed.” Biden has denied the accusation. |
Wigdor said his decision was made on Wednesday, a day after CNN published a story raising questions about Reade’s background and her past statements. | Wigdor said his decision was made on Wednesday, a day after CNN published a story raising questions about Reade’s background and her past statements. |
Defense lawyers in California said yesterday that they were reviewing criminal cases in which Reade has served as an expert witness on domestic violence, out of concern that she had misrepresented her educational credentials in court. | Defense lawyers in California said yesterday that they were reviewing criminal cases in which Reade has served as an expert witness on domestic violence, out of concern that she had misrepresented her educational credentials in court. |
House intelligence committe chairman Adam Schiff’s request to declassify transcripts between Michael Flynn and the former Russian ambassador to the US comes as the justice department has moved to drop its criminal case against Flynn. | House intelligence committe chairman Adam Schiff’s request to declassify transcripts between Michael Flynn and the former Russian ambassador to the US comes as the justice department has moved to drop its criminal case against Flynn. |
The former national security adviser pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017, but Trump and his allies have complained Flynn was unfairly targeted by the bureau. | The former national security adviser pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017, but Trump and his allies have complained Flynn was unfairly targeted by the bureau. |
The justice department moved to drop the case earlier this month, sparking criticism that the president was politicizing the department. The federal judge overseeing the case is currently trying to determine how to move forward, considering Flynn was set to be sentenced. | The justice department moved to drop the case earlier this month, sparking criticism that the president was politicizing the department. The federal judge overseeing the case is currently trying to determine how to move forward, considering Flynn was set to be sentenced. |
Schiff’s request also comes a day after Republican congressman John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the next director of national intelligence in a party-line Senate vote. | Schiff’s request also comes a day after Republican congressman John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the next director of national intelligence in a party-line Senate vote. |
House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff is asking the ourgoing director of national intelligence, Ric Grenell, to declassify transcripts of calls between former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the former Russian ambassador to the US. | House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff is asking the ourgoing director of national intelligence, Ric Grenell, to declassify transcripts of calls between former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the former Russian ambassador to the US. |
Schiff is also asking Grenell to share reports related to his decision to release a list of Obama administration officials who requested to have Flynn unmasked in intelligence reports about his contact with Russian officials. | Schiff is also asking Grenell to share reports related to his decision to release a list of Obama administration officials who requested to have Flynn unmasked in intelligence reports about his contact with Russian officials. |
The California Democrat said Grenell’s decision to release the names was a “transparent political act” used to “insinuate wrongdoing by officials who acted appropriately in requesting the identity of masked US persons.” | The California Democrat said Grenell’s decision to release the names was a “transparent political act” used to “insinuate wrongdoing by officials who acted appropriately in requesting the identity of masked US persons.” |
Meanwhile, the president is once again complaining about his coverage on Fox News and expressing a fondness for the late Roger Ailes, the network’s late former CEO who was pushed out over allegations of sexual harassment. | Meanwhile, the president is once again complaining about his coverage on Fox News and expressing a fondness for the late Roger Ailes, the network’s late former CEO who was pushed out over allegations of sexual harassment. |
“Hope Roger A is looking down and watching what has happened to this once beautiful creation!” the president tweeted. | “Hope Roger A is looking down and watching what has happened to this once beautiful creation!” the president tweeted. |
Trump similarly tweeted earlier this week that he missed Ailes and was “looking for a new outlet” after Fox News host Neil Cavuto expressed alarm about the president taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus despite FDA warnings about using the drug outside a hospital setting. | Trump similarly tweeted earlier this week that he missed Ailes and was “looking for a new outlet” after Fox News host Neil Cavuto expressed alarm about the president taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus despite FDA warnings about using the drug outside a hospital setting. |
A new study shows that 96,000 coronavirus patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine saw a higher death rate and were at a higher risk of developing heart complications. | A new study shows that 96,000 coronavirus patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine saw a higher death rate and were at a higher risk of developing heart complications. |
Black Voices for Trump, an advisory board to the president’s reelection campaign, released a statement condemning Joe Biden’s comments this morning. | Black Voices for Trump, an advisory board to the president’s reelection campaign, released a statement condemning Joe Biden’s comments this morning. |
“Biden has a history of racial condescension and today he once again proved what a growing number of Black Americans and I have always known: Joe Biden does not deserve our votes,” said senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson. | “Biden has a history of racial condescension and today he once again proved what a growing number of Black Americans and I have always known: Joe Biden does not deserve our votes,” said senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson. |
Biden has previously been criticized for some of his comments on race, such as when he reminisced about the former “civility” of the Senate by recalling his work with two senators who opposed racial integration. | Biden has previously been criticized for some of his comments on race, such as when he reminisced about the former “civility” of the Senate by recalling his work with two senators who opposed racial integration. |
Joe Biden was immediately criticized for saying, “‘If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” | Joe Biden was immediately criticized for saying, “‘If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” |
Republican senator Tim Scott, who is black, noted the number of African Americans who voted for Trump in 2016 and said Democrats were taking the black community for granted. | Republican senator Tim Scott, who is black, noted the number of African Americans who voted for Trump in 2016 and said Democrats were taking the black community for granted. |
Other Twitter users said Biden should be reminded that race does not determine political identity. | Other Twitter users said Biden should be reminded that race does not determine political identity. |
A senior adviser to the Trump campaign compared the moment to Hillary Clinton describing some of her Republican rival’s supporters as a “basket of deplorables” in 2016. | A senior adviser to the Trump campaign compared the moment to Hillary Clinton describing some of her Republican rival’s supporters as a “basket of deplorables” in 2016. |
Joe Biden has made a comment that he will almost certainly have to walk back, a situation the presumptive Democratic nominee finds himself in fairly often. | Joe Biden has made a comment that he will almost certainly have to walk back, a situation the presumptive Democratic nominee finds himself in fairly often. |
The former vice president did an interview with Charlamagne tha God, a co-host of the radio show “The Breakfast Club.” Charlamagne had pressed Biden on a number of issues, including the legalization of marijuana and his choice of running mate. | The former vice president did an interview with Charlamagne tha God, a co-host of the radio show “The Breakfast Club.” Charlamagne had pressed Biden on a number of issues, including the legalization of marijuana and his choice of running mate. |
After a campaign aide interjected to say Biden had to wrap it up, Charlamagne said, “Listen, you’ve got to come see us when you come to New York, VP Biden. It’s a long way until November. We’ve got more questions.” | After a campaign aide interjected to say Biden had to wrap it up, Charlamagne said, “Listen, you’ve got to come see us when you come to New York, VP Biden. It’s a long way until November. We’ve got more questions.” |
“You’ve got more questions?” Biden replied. “Well I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” | “You’ve got more questions?” Biden replied. “Well I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” |
“It don’t have nothing to do with Trump,” Charlamagne protested. “It has to do with the fact -- I want something for my community.” | “It don’t have nothing to do with Trump,” Charlamagne protested. “It has to do with the fact -- I want something for my community.” |
“Take a look at my record, man!” Biden said, before claiming his decades-long record as a senator and vice president was “second to none.” | “Take a look at my record, man!” Biden said, before claiming his decades-long record as a senator and vice president was “second to none.” |
Biden’s comments immediately attracted a lot of criticism on social media, and the Trump campaign jumped to capitalize on the gaffe. | Biden’s comments immediately attracted a lot of criticism on social media, and the Trump campaign jumped to capitalize on the gaffe. |
This is Joan Greve, taking over for Jo Walters. | This is Joan Greve, taking over for Jo Walters. |
Another study has emerged indicating hydroxychloroquine is not an effective coronavirus treatment, which will surely complicate Trump’s efforts to promote the anti-malaria drug. | Another study has emerged indicating hydroxychloroquine is not an effective coronavirus treatment, which will surely complicate Trump’s efforts to promote the anti-malaria drug. |
According to the study published in the medical journal the Lancet, 96,000 coronavirus patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine saw a significantly higher death rate and were more likely to experience heart complications. | According to the study published in the medical journal the Lancet, 96,000 coronavirus patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine saw a significantly higher death rate and were more likely to experience heart complications. |
“It’s one thing not to have benefit, but this shows distinct harm,” cardiologist Eric Topol told the Washington Post. “If there was ever hope for this drug, this is the death of it.” | “It’s one thing not to have benefit, but this shows distinct harm,” cardiologist Eric Topol told the Washington Post. “If there was ever hope for this drug, this is the death of it.” |
Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine as a potential “game changer,” and he announced this week that he has been using the drug to prevent coronavirus, sparking widespread alarm about the US president taking an untested drug. He has said he will finish taking the drug in the next couple of days. | Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine as a potential “game changer,” and he announced this week that he has been using the drug to prevent coronavirus, sparking widespread alarm about the US president taking an untested drug. He has said he will finish taking the drug in the next couple of days. |
The Guardian’s Amy Walker reports: | The Guardian’s Amy Walker reports: |
Pictures of Donald Trump wearing a face mask while on a visit in Michigan have emerged. | Pictures of Donald Trump wearing a face mask while on a visit in Michigan have emerged. |
In a video published by Sky News, the US president can be seen wearing a navy blue mask. | In a video published by Sky News, the US president can be seen wearing a navy blue mask. |
The images emerged after a state attorney general called Trump a “petulant child” because he allegedly refused to wear the covering during a tour of a plant belonging to the Ford car company. | The images emerged after a state attorney general called Trump a “petulant child” because he allegedly refused to wear the covering during a tour of a plant belonging to the Ford car company. |
Surrounded by Ford executives who were wearing masks, Trump told reporters he had put one on earlier in the visit. | Surrounded by Ford executives who were wearing masks, Trump told reporters he had put one on earlier in the visit. |
“I had one on before. I wore one in the back area. I didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it,” he said. | “I had one on before. I wore one in the back area. I didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it,” he said. |
Good morning, US live blog readers, welcome to another vigorous day of politics and coronavirus news, with all the up-to-the-minute developments covered here. Here’s is what’s foremost today so far: | Good morning, US live blog readers, welcome to another vigorous day of politics and coronavirus news, with all the up-to-the-minute developments covered here. Here’s is what’s foremost today so far: |
America’s top public health expert Anthony Fauci, the head of the White House coronavirus task force, urges caution as millions head out of doors for the Memorial Day weekend, the first weekend that signals the start of the summer holiday season. All 50 states have reopened for business in some fashion – some much more restricted than others – and the public is heading to the beaches, bars and bowling alleys. There is potential for chaos and risk of infection. Fauci said last night: “Go out, wear a mask. Stay six feet away from anyone you see.” Not everyone will be taking that advice and some local leaders are not echoing that message. Donald Trump last night ordered flags to fly at half staff on federal buildings and national monuments over the weekend, to mark the deaths from coronavirus and to honor America’s military dead. | America’s top public health expert Anthony Fauci, the head of the White House coronavirus task force, urges caution as millions head out of doors for the Memorial Day weekend, the first weekend that signals the start of the summer holiday season. All 50 states have reopened for business in some fashion – some much more restricted than others – and the public is heading to the beaches, bars and bowling alleys. There is potential for chaos and risk of infection. Fauci said last night: “Go out, wear a mask. Stay six feet away from anyone you see.” Not everyone will be taking that advice and some local leaders are not echoing that message. Donald Trump last night ordered flags to fly at half staff on federal buildings and national monuments over the weekend, to mark the deaths from coronavirus and to honor America’s military dead. |
Donald Trump hit out last night at the attorney general of Michigan, Dana Nessel, after she severely criticized his refusal to don a mask for the cameras at the Ford factory he visited in the state yesterday, as an example to others and to comply with Michigan law, even if he, as he said, had tested negative for coronavirus that morning. She called him a “petulant child”, he called her a “wacky do nothing”, so that’s all useful stuff. Pictures did emerge, as the president predicted they would, of him wearing a mask behind the scenes before he stepped in front of the assembled media and told them he didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it. | Donald Trump hit out last night at the attorney general of Michigan, Dana Nessel, after she severely criticized his refusal to don a mask for the cameras at the Ford factory he visited in the state yesterday, as an example to others and to comply with Michigan law, even if he, as he said, had tested negative for coronavirus that morning. She called him a “petulant child”, he called her a “wacky do nothing”, so that’s all useful stuff. Pictures did emerge, as the president predicted they would, of him wearing a mask behind the scenes before he stepped in front of the assembled media and told them he didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it. |
Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer had asked the president to lower the flags to mark the grim milestone of 100,000 US deaths from coronavirus, which will be reached any day now. Trump chose his own way of doing it. The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US has now surpassed 1.57m and the death toll has surpassed 94,000. | Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer had asked the president to lower the flags to mark the grim milestone of 100,000 US deaths from coronavirus, which will be reached any day now. Trump chose his own way of doing it. The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US has now surpassed 1.57m and the death toll has surpassed 94,000. |
The US has called on the World Health Organization (WHO) today to begin work immediately on investigating the source of the coronavirus, as well as its own handling of the response to the pandemic.Brett Giroir, US Assistant Secretary for Health, told the WHO’s executive board in a written statement: “There is no time to waste to begin on the reforms needed to ensure such a pandemic never happens again.”An independent, comprehensive review of the WHO-led global response – as agreed in a resolution adopted by the WHO’s annual ministerial assembly on Tuesday – should seek “complete and transparent understanding of the source, timeline of events, and decision-making process for the WHO’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic”, he said. | The US has called on the World Health Organization (WHO) today to begin work immediately on investigating the source of the coronavirus, as well as its own handling of the response to the pandemic.Brett Giroir, US Assistant Secretary for Health, told the WHO’s executive board in a written statement: “There is no time to waste to begin on the reforms needed to ensure such a pandemic never happens again.”An independent, comprehensive review of the WHO-led global response – as agreed in a resolution adopted by the WHO’s annual ministerial assembly on Tuesday – should seek “complete and transparent understanding of the source, timeline of events, and decision-making process for the WHO’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic”, he said. |
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has scheduled a press briefing at 2pm ET. | White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has scheduled a press briefing at 2pm ET. |