President Donald Trump on Saturday at the White House expressed his disappointment that China was dishonest and slow to alert the world about the seriousness of the coronavirus.
“I have great respect for China, I like China, I think the people of China are incredible. I have a tremendous relationship with President Xi. I wish they could have told us earlier about what was going on inside,” Trump said.
The president said that his federal doctors could have used the extra time to prepare for the virus.
“China was secretive OK?” Trump said. “Very, very secretive, and that’s unfortunate.”
Trump said that a two or three month jump on the virus would have been helpful.
Trump ally Clay Fuller advances in Georgia fight for MTG’s former seat
DOJ leader swats back DNC election security suit, mocks demands as kid’s ‘tooth fairy’ wish list
Former Kentucky cheerleader indicted on manslaughter charge after newborn son found dead in closet
Sheriff running Nancy Guthrie case responds after report reveals unseemly exit from first policing job
Three cargo ships damaged by ‘projectiles’ in Strait of Hormuz
US Moves Against Iranian Mine Ships, Sinks Over a Dozen: Reports
Texas conservatives tout record-breaking school choice signups after long battle with teachers unions
Scott moves to bypass teachers unions, send federal school funds straight to parents if classrooms close
Wanted on 59 Counts of Rape and Child Sex Crimes: One of Those Illegals Dems Care More About Than Americans Was Just Nabbed by NC Cops
New Twist in Epstein Guard’s Saga – Large Mystery Deposits Showed Up in Her Bank Account Leading Up to Just Before His Death, Interesting Google Searches Also
Spanish Court Orders Madrid to Create Registry of Doctors Who Refuse to Perform Abortions
Former Freedom Caucus chair Bob Good blasts Trump’s endorsement record: ‘Trump IS the problem’
Tom Cotton puts Biden on notice while demanding answers on draining of nation’s oil stockpile
Johnson pushes reconciliation 2.0 with no clear plan and Trump’s focus elsewhere
Lindsey Graham’s war rhetoric complicates Trump’s push to calm MAGA base
“They were having a big problem and they knew it, and I wish they could have given us an advance warning,” Trump said.
The president was questioned about his message on Twitter in January praising President Xi Jinping and his transparency.
China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2020
Trump said that he felt that China was transparent at the time, but pointedly told reporters they did not escape unscathed from the virus.
Trump ally Clay Fuller advances in Georgia fight for MTG’s former seat
DOJ leader swats back DNC election security suit, mocks demands as kid’s ‘tooth fairy’ wish list
Former Kentucky cheerleader indicted on manslaughter charge after newborn son found dead in closet
Sheriff running Nancy Guthrie case responds after report reveals unseemly exit from first policing job
Three cargo ships damaged by ‘projectiles’ in Strait of Hormuz
US Moves Against Iranian Mine Ships, Sinks Over a Dozen: Reports
Texas conservatives tout record-breaking school choice signups after long battle with teachers unions
Scott moves to bypass teachers unions, send federal school funds straight to parents if classrooms close
Wanted on 59 Counts of Rape and Child Sex Crimes: One of Those Illegals Dems Care More About Than Americans Was Just Nabbed by NC Cops
New Twist in Epstein Guard’s Saga – Large Mystery Deposits Showed Up in Her Bank Account Leading Up to Just Before His Death, Interesting Google Searches Also
Spanish Court Orders Madrid to Create Registry of Doctors Who Refuse to Perform Abortions
Former Freedom Caucus chair Bob Good blasts Trump’s endorsement record: ‘Trump IS the problem’
Tom Cotton puts Biden on notice while demanding answers on draining of nation’s oil stockpile
Johnson pushes reconciliation 2.0 with no clear plan and Trump’s focus elsewhere
Lindsey Graham’s war rhetoric complicates Trump’s push to calm MAGA base
“China has lost thousands and thousands of people,” Trump said. “China has gone through hell over this. They’ve gone through hell.”
Trump repeated that President Xi was “a friend” but wishes they would have been more vocal about the problem.
“I just wished they could have told us earlier,” Trump said.
Trump has sent a mixed message on China, frequently praising President Xi’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, but also describing it as the “Chinese virus” to remind the American public that it originated in China.
On February 13, Trump praised Xi as “extremely capable” for handling the crisis but admitted that “they want to put the best face on it.”
“You wouldn’t want to run out to the world and go crazy and start saying whatever it is, because you don’t want to create a panic,” he said during an interview with Geraldo Rivera.
The president told reporters on Saturday that he first took the coronavirus threat more seriously when he announced the travel bans on China on January 31.
Story cited here.
