Trump, Who Opposed Vaccine Mandates, Calls Booster Shot Secrecy Cowardly

Former U.S. President Donald Trump [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Former U.S. President Donald Trump raised his voice, calling politicians who have not disclosed whether they received the COVID-19 booster shot "cowardly." Analysts interpret Trump's remarks, who has previously opposed vaccine mandates, as being mindful of the upcoming presidential election.

According to ABC News on the 12th (local time), Trump stated in an interview with One America News Network the previous evening, "They should reveal whether they have received the booster shot." Having received the booster shot last month, he has recently been increasingly vocal toward those doubting the vaccine's efficacy and safety.

Trump said, "Watching some politicians in interviews, I wondered, 'Did they get the booster shot?'" He added, "They respond with 'Oh, oh,' which means 'yes.'" He then pointed out, "The reason they don't want to say (about their vaccination) is because they are cowardly."

AP News reported, "Although Trump did not mention which politician he was referring to, it is interpreted as targeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is mentioned as a leading Republican candidate."

Trump, who has openly hinted at running in the next presidential election, is effectively targeting rivals within the party who are reluctant to disclose their vaccination status. AP News analyzed, "This is a strategy to highlight differentiation from other presidential candidates while simultaneously showcasing the success of the Trump administration in facilitating vaccine development and administration."

Within the Republican camp, many politicians, including Trump’s key aides, have not disclosed their vaccination status. Some, such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have even refused vaccination altogether.

On the other hand, Trump praised the vaccine, saying, "Without the vaccine, COVID-19 would have devastated the country even more than it has now," and "Those who are sick and hospitalized are people who have not been vaccinated."

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