'Moderna Vaccine Success' Trump Says "I Did It" · Biden Says "The Future Matters"

Different Views on Vaccine Success
Director Fauci: "Transition of Power Important for Vaccine Distribution"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] While Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and President-elect Joe Biden both welcomed the positive clinical trial results of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine candidate developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna, they revealed clear differences in perception.

On the 16th (local time), immediately after Moderna announced that the vaccine was 95% effective, President Trump tweeted, "Another vaccine has just been announced," adding, "This time by Moderna, with 95% effectiveness."

He continued, "I hope all great historians remember that these great discoveries to end the Chinese plague all happened during my administration." President Trump also mentioned, "Because of another vaccine, the Dow Jones Industrial Average approached 30,000."

Following President Trump, the White House and government departments also emphasized the achievements of the ultra-fast vaccine development plan under the Trump administration. The Department of Health and Human Services stated in a press release that day, "This news was made possible thanks to President Trump's leadership and unwavering support for Operation Warp Speed," and claimed, "We can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere welcomed, "President Trump's leadership led the ultra-fast vaccine development plan to succeed in developing a vaccine in an unprecedentedly short period in history, which will save lives."

President-elect Biden also welcomed the vaccine development and encouraged the researchers' efforts but did not stop expressing concerns. He said, "What was true for the first vaccine remains true for the second vaccine. We still have several months ahead. Until then, Americans must continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks to control the virus."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), in an interview with NBC, positively evaluated Moderna's vaccine results but expressed concern that the Trump administration's refusal to concede power could become an obstacle to vaccine distribution.

Dr. Fauci said, "I have experienced several transitions of power and know how important they are. I hope the handover happens soon," expressing concern. He emphasized that a normal transition of power is essential for the smooth distribution of the vaccine.

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