US Secretary of Commerce Says "Novel Coronavirus Is an Opportunity to Create American Jobs" Controversial Remark

Growing Criticism Over Wilbur Ross's Controversial Remarks

Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, has been criticized for inappropriate remarks after mentioning that the novel coronavirus could be an opportunity to increase jobs in the United States.

On the 30th (local time), Secretary Ross said in an interview with Fox Business regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak, "I believe it will help bring jobs back to North America in terms of the global supply chain." While acknowledging that the outbreak is a very unfortunate event, he predicted that it would serve as an opportunity for companies to reconsider their operations in China. Initially, Ross used the term North America but added that both the U.S. and Mexico could benefit.

Secretary Ross repeatedly emphasized that the novel coronavirus is another risk factor that businesses need to consider. He also pointed out SARS and African swine fever as business risks that must be taken into account.

Ross further stated, "I do not want to mention an unfortunate victory relying on a malignant disease, but the fact is business is business," revealing his intention that companies should create jobs by expanding operations within the U.S. rather than in China. He also reminded that Apple had implemented a policy to move its assembly lines from China to the U.S. even before the outbreak.

Ross’s remarks faced criticism for calling only for job repatriation while U.S. companies were making efforts to protect their workforce in China.

The Washington Post expressed concern, saying, "Ross’s remarks are very inappropriate and dangerous, and could even lead to cases where new infection reports are concealed."

In response to the criticism of Ross’s remarks, the Commerce Department immediately moved to manage the situation. In an email statement released that day, the department clarified, "Secretary Ross has stated that controlling the novel coronavirus is a priority and that infected individuals must be helped."

Meanwhile, Larry Kudlow, Chairman of the White House National Economic Council (NEC), evaluated on the same day that "the impact of this virus outbreak on the U.S. economy is nonexistent," and stated, "There will be no use of the novel coronavirus in the U.S.-China Phase Two trade agreement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.