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.
Watch: Radar Track Video Shows Hijacked Plane to Israel Plummeted as Middle Eastern Pilot Hijacked Plane
White House Releases 4-Point AI Accord Signed by Trump and Industry Leaders
Biden Afghan migrant program hit with 40% vetting failure rate: ‘Alarming’
Fox News Poll: Michigan voters split between El-Sayed and Rogers
South Carolina mom accused of knife attack on young children; 6-year-old may lose arm: sheriff’s office
Bass splits from progressive rival on Israel in LA mayoral race
Andy Burnham says ‘indications’ show Iran ‘played a part’ in Fairford air base terrorism scare and defends suspects’ release on bail
Chuck Schumer Orders Democrats to Block Bill That Aims to Force Data Centers to Cover Increased Energy Costs
Virginia Releases Illegal Alien Accused of Unthinkable Crimes Against Children – ICE Catches Him Anyway
EXCLUSIVE: State Department revokes over 250,000 visas in broad immigration vetting crackdown
‘Drug-dealing’ network shielded by blue states targeted in SCOTUS challenge
Blanche announces charges against 10 permanent residents accused of Minnesota voter fraud
Russia begins air campaign targeting Ukrainian energy grid with barrage against Kyiv power plants
Passengers from Flydubai plane arrive in Israel on rescue flight
Trump DOJ investigating Dem group in Texas after viral undercover video sparks massive uproar
“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.
Watch: Radar Track Video Shows Hijacked Plane to Israel Plummeted as Middle Eastern Pilot Hijacked Plane
White House Releases 4-Point AI Accord Signed by Trump and Industry Leaders
Biden Afghan migrant program hit with 40% vetting failure rate: ‘Alarming’
Fox News Poll: Michigan voters split between El-Sayed and Rogers
South Carolina mom accused of knife attack on young children; 6-year-old may lose arm: sheriff’s office
Bass splits from progressive rival on Israel in LA mayoral race
Andy Burnham says ‘indications’ show Iran ‘played a part’ in Fairford air base terrorism scare and defends suspects’ release on bail
Chuck Schumer Orders Democrats to Block Bill That Aims to Force Data Centers to Cover Increased Energy Costs
Virginia Releases Illegal Alien Accused of Unthinkable Crimes Against Children – ICE Catches Him Anyway
EXCLUSIVE: State Department revokes over 250,000 visas in broad immigration vetting crackdown
‘Drug-dealing’ network shielded by blue states targeted in SCOTUS challenge
Blanche announces charges against 10 permanent residents accused of Minnesota voter fraud
Russia begins air campaign targeting Ukrainian energy grid with barrage against Kyiv power plants
Passengers from Flydubai plane arrive in Israel on rescue flight
Trump DOJ investigating Dem group in Texas after viral undercover video sparks massive uproar
“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.
