"Trump Knew COVID Was Deadly but Concealed It (Comprehensive)"

Bob Woodward's New Book 'Rage' Revealed
Trump: "To Prevent Panic"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Former Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward claimed in his new book that U.S. President Donald Trump concealed the severity of COVID-19 despite knowing it was far deadlier than the flu. President Trump acknowledged the remarks, saying it was a measure to prevent panic, but denied wrongdoing.

On the 9th (local time), The Washington Post (WP) and CNN reported excerpts from Woodward's upcoming book "Rage," revealing that in an interview with Woodward on February 7, President Trump said, "It (the COVID-19 virus) is very tricky and hard to handle," and "It is more deadly than your severe flu." They added, "President Trump probably explained that COVID-19 is five times deadlier than the flu."

Woodward detailed mentions of COVID-19 he heard during 18 interviews with President Trump.

According to the book, President Trump became aware of the risks of COVID-19 at least by January 28 this year, when he received a report from Robert O'Brien, National Security Council (NSC) advisor, in the White House office.

Advisor O'Brien reported, "COVID-19 will be the greatest national security threat during the president's term," and "It will be the toughest challenge the president will face." Matthew Pottinger, then NSC deputy advisor, agreed. Pottinger, who obtained information from China where the outbreak was rampant, told the president, "It is clear we are facing a public health emergency on a scale similar to the 1918 influenza pandemic that caused about 50 million deaths worldwide."

Ten days later, President Trump told Woodward in a phone call, "I think the current situation is much more serious than what I have publicly mentioned." He added, "This is deadly."

Woodward pointed out that President Trump publicly downplayed the risks of COVID-19, missing the opportunity to respond effectively.

WP also reported that during the call, President Trump said the COVID-19 virus was no worse than seasonal flu, that the government was fully in control, and that it would disappear soon.

As the book's content stirred controversy, President Trump responded. When asked by reporters, he said, "The fact is, I am the cheerleader for this country and I love this country," adding, "I don't want to alarm people." He explained, "Maybe I did it to reduce panic." President Trump claimed that if he had not acted that way, the prices of medical masks and gowns would have skyrocketed.

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