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.
Alex Murdaugh retrial could bring potential death penalty as AG says ‘all our legal options are on the table’
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Nancy Guthrie sheriff, Alex Murdaugh’s win, Kouri Richins’ message
Outrage: Using Enormous Pipes Water Utility Didn’t Know About, AI Data Center Guzzled 30 Million Gallons of Water for Free
Texas Boom: GOP-Led State Brags America’s 5 Fastest-Growing Cities as People Flee Blue States
Unlikely bipartisan Senate duo seeks to permanently ban ex-lawmakers from lobbying
Georgia GOP gubernatorial hopeful vows to ‘ban DEI’ in state but his own nonprofit urged CEOs to invest in it
‘Brutally Painful’ – Jordan Peterson’s Real Condition Revealed by Wife – They Need Our Prayers
Murkowski vs Trump: Senator sides with Democrats on Iran after series of breaks with president
Bishop Barron slams ‘borderline communists’ Sanders, Mamdani ahead of Trump prayer event: ‘Economy that kills’
Faith leaders and administration officials join together for Rededicate 250: What to know
Trump DHS Announces 12 Straight Months of Zero Border Releases as Crossings Hit Historic Lows
Coast Guard releases new photos of sailboat seized in missing American’s Bahamas disappearance case
Auburn grad who just landed dream job allegedly shot and killed by boyfriend’s father in Alabama
Hero Principal Gives Credit Where It’s Due: ‘I Think God’s Hand Was on All of Us’
Airlines Seek Federal Bailouts Following Spirit Airlines Shutdown as Fuel Prices Rise
“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.
Alex Murdaugh retrial could bring potential death penalty as AG says ‘all our legal options are on the table’
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Nancy Guthrie sheriff, Alex Murdaugh’s win, Kouri Richins’ message
Outrage: Using Enormous Pipes Water Utility Didn’t Know About, AI Data Center Guzzled 30 Million Gallons of Water for Free
Texas Boom: GOP-Led State Brags America’s 5 Fastest-Growing Cities as People Flee Blue States
Unlikely bipartisan Senate duo seeks to permanently ban ex-lawmakers from lobbying
Georgia GOP gubernatorial hopeful vows to ‘ban DEI’ in state but his own nonprofit urged CEOs to invest in it
‘Brutally Painful’ – Jordan Peterson’s Real Condition Revealed by Wife – They Need Our Prayers
Murkowski vs Trump: Senator sides with Democrats on Iran after series of breaks with president
Bishop Barron slams ‘borderline communists’ Sanders, Mamdani ahead of Trump prayer event: ‘Economy that kills’
Faith leaders and administration officials join together for Rededicate 250: What to know
Trump DHS Announces 12 Straight Months of Zero Border Releases as Crossings Hit Historic Lows
Coast Guard releases new photos of sailboat seized in missing American’s Bahamas disappearance case
Auburn grad who just landed dream job allegedly shot and killed by boyfriend’s father in Alabama
Hero Principal Gives Credit Where It’s Due: ‘I Think God’s Hand Was on All of Us’
Airlines Seek Federal Bailouts Following Spirit Airlines Shutdown as Fuel Prices Rise
“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.
