Trump and Pence Seem Excluded from Priority Vaccine Recipients...Aware of 'Favoritism Controversy'

White House Spokesperson: "Key Officials Including Situation Room Staff Vaccinated"
US Political Circles Also Seem Reluctant to Get Vaccinated First

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Contrary to initial reports, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are expected to be excluded from the priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination. Initially, the U.S. government included senior White House officials as well as some high-ranking members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the priority vaccination group, but it is reported that President Trump opposed this.

On the 14th (local time) at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, New York City, USA, nurse Sandra Linzy received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from Dr. Michelle Chester. Nurse Linzy was recorded as the first person in the United States to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to U.S. media on the 14th (local time), President Trump was initially included in the early vaccination group but expressed opposition. President Trump stated, "White House staff should receive the vaccine somewhat later unless there is a special need." He added, "I requested a schedule adjustment," and said, "I have no plans to get vaccinated now, but I expect to be vaccinated at an appropriate time."

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany explained, "What President Trump decided is that frontline workers and residents of long-term care facilities need to be vaccinated first." She continued, "Key officials such as Situation Room staff and certain members of Congress will receive the initial (early) vaccine." Accordingly, U.S. media regard the president’s military aides, Situation Room personnel, and Secret Service agents as early vaccination candidates.

U.S. lawmakers are also reportedly declining early vaccination, fearing it might be perceived as a form of privilege.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of the Democratic Party said, "I will get vaccinated at the appropriate time," but added, "I will not cross the line."

Earlier, U.S. media anticipated that President Trump and senior White House officials would be among the first to receive the vaccine. The media reported that President Trump, Vice President Pence, and senior White House officials were expected to complete their vaccinations within ten days starting from the first day, the 14th. This was widely interpreted as an effort to dispel concerns about the vaccine both inside and outside American society.

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