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.
Illegal alien ‘monster’ charged with raping dead girlfriend’s daughter, DHS blames Biden-era policies
Disturbing new details revealed in death of Denver airport intruder who died after breaching fence
Schumer backs GOP’s plan to bring the pain during future shutdowns: ‘I’m going to vote for it’
Mayorkas doesn’t endorse fellow Biden official Becerra in California gubernatorial race
Breaking: Marty Makary Is Out as FDA Commissioner – Acting Replacement Named
Indiana’s Cignetti Gifts Trump Custom Hoosiers Jersey as NCAA Champs Visit WH: ‘I Like This Guy’
Military vet sees opening for GOP in blue state amid ‘embarrassment’ of ‘stolen valor Walz’
Democrats Attempt to Bully House Republican Into Resigning Over ‘Racism’ Against Hakeem Jeffries
Career Criminal Opens Fire on Police Officers While Out on Parole for the Same Crime
Judge in Tiger Woods hearing allows access to drug records
Warsh confirmed as Fed governor, with vote on chairmanship to follow
Once doomed, Trump’s pick to carry out his economic vision clears first crucial hurdle
Court hears arguments on Missouri’s new map as Democrats try to claw back GOP redistricting gains
Virginia GOP leader blasts ‘power-hungry’ Jeffries as Dems mount ‘insane’ gambit to overpower high court
Mother’s Day dinner dispute turns violent as man accused of stabbing grandmother 11 times: police
“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.
Illegal alien ‘monster’ charged with raping dead girlfriend’s daughter, DHS blames Biden-era policies
Disturbing new details revealed in death of Denver airport intruder who died after breaching fence
Schumer backs GOP’s plan to bring the pain during future shutdowns: ‘I’m going to vote for it’
Mayorkas doesn’t endorse fellow Biden official Becerra in California gubernatorial race
Breaking: Marty Makary Is Out as FDA Commissioner – Acting Replacement Named
Indiana’s Cignetti Gifts Trump Custom Hoosiers Jersey as NCAA Champs Visit WH: ‘I Like This Guy’
Military vet sees opening for GOP in blue state amid ‘embarrassment’ of ‘stolen valor Walz’
Democrats Attempt to Bully House Republican Into Resigning Over ‘Racism’ Against Hakeem Jeffries
Career Criminal Opens Fire on Police Officers While Out on Parole for the Same Crime
Judge in Tiger Woods hearing allows access to drug records
Warsh confirmed as Fed governor, with vote on chairmanship to follow
Once doomed, Trump’s pick to carry out his economic vision clears first crucial hurdle
Court hears arguments on Missouri’s new map as Democrats try to claw back GOP redistricting gains
Virginia GOP leader blasts ‘power-hungry’ Jeffries as Dems mount ‘insane’ gambit to overpower high court
Mother’s Day dinner dispute turns violent as man accused of stabbing grandmother 11 times: police
“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.
