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Coronavirus US live: Trump says 'we have to get back to work' as number of US deaths rises Coronavirus US live: Trump says 'we have to get back to work' as number of US deaths rises
(32 minutes later)
The president says he’d like the US to return to normal by Easter, which is 12 April, following WHO prediction that US would soon be center of pandemicThe president says he’d like the US to return to normal by Easter, which is 12 April, following WHO prediction that US would soon be center of pandemic
Trump predicted Americans would see “packed churches” on Easter, as the president continues to insist the country will be ready to scale back social distancing practices within the next few weeks.
The president said earlier today he “would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” but public health experts have expressed doubt that the coronavirus crisis will be sufficiently curtailed by April 12.
“Easter is a very special day for me,” Trump told Fox News. “And I say, wouldn’t it be great to have all the churches full?”
The president added that the religious holiday aligned with when he expected the threat of the virus to start subsiding. “I think it would be a beautiful time, and it’s just about the timeline that I think is right.” Trump said.
Public health experts, including senior official Dr Anthony Fauci, have said Americans will need to adhere to social distancing restrictions for at least several more weeks to stop the spread of the virus.
US stocks rebounded more than 11% on Tuesday in best day since 1933 on signs that lawmakers and the Trump administration are nearing a deal on a $2tr stimulus package aimed at curbing economic distress caused by the coronavirus pandemic.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2,112 points, or 11.3%, the S&P 500 rose 9.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 8.3%.Energy giant Chevron gained more than 18% to lead the Dow higher. American Express, Boeing and American also rallied more than 14%. Energy was the best-performing sector, while industrials and financials each jumped more than 10%.The historic rally came a day after stocks recorded a record fall. It came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNBC there is “real optimism” in Congress over a stimulus deal being reached. “We think the bill has moved sufficiently to the side of workers,” she said.International indexes also rose, with the pan-continental Stoxx Europe 600 advancing 8.4% in its best one-day performance since 2008 while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gauge jumped 7%. “Markets are definitely reacting to the prospects of a stimulus deal,” said Jason Pride, chief investment officer for private wealth at Glenmede, told the Wall Street Journal.
Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, has announced a new executive order requiring hospitals to submit daily reports to the state health department on the number of coronavirus tests administered and present bed capacity.
Asked to respond to Monday night’s controversial remarks by his lieutenant governor on Fox News that older Americans would rather die than see public health measures undermine the US economy, Abbott says: “The primary obligation we all have is public health and safety. We must do all we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone, to save every life, to get everyone through Covid-19, minimizing the loss of life.
“The best thing we can do to get the economy going is to get Covid-19 behind us. We must bend the curve on the growth of the coronavirus in Texas. As soon as we do that, the economy will come roaring back.”
Former vice president Joe Biden is making the rounds on cable news shows. He was on MSNBC at the top of the hour and urged Donald Trump to “stop talking.”
“It’s frustrating to hear this president speak. He should stop talking. Let the experts speak,” Biden said. Later on in the interview he said “be president. You say you’re a wartime president. Act like that.”
In the same interview Biden was asked how he though New York governor Andrew Cuomo has handled the coronavirus in his state.
There has been a back and forth between Trump and Cuomo throughout the day over available medical supplies. Cuomo said there hasn’t been enough ventilators during a press conference. Later on during a virtual town hall on Fox News, Trump shot back that Cuomo passed up access to more ventilators.
Biden praised the New York governor’s performance.
“I think he’s doing a hell of a job. I think he’s been the lead horse here,” Biden said.
An emerging pattern across the country is that governors are encouraging people to donate medical supplies that are in high demand in response to the Coronavirus epidemic.
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer is doing just that. In a statement her administration this afternoon Whitmer said “Right now, medical professionals across the state are forced to reuse face masks. This increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 during a time when we should do everything we can to mitigate it. We’re not getting the tools we need from the federal government, so it’s on all of us to work together to protect each other.”
The items “most needed” are, per the statement:
Hospital Gowns
Ventilators
Sanitizer (Hand / Wipe)
Gloves
Surgical Masks
Masks N95-N100
No-Touch Thermometers
Biden says he has not been tested for coronavirusBiden says he has not been tested for coronavirus
Biden was just asked first what precautions he took on the coronavirus and secondly if he’d been tested for the virus.Biden was just asked first what precautions he took on the coronavirus and secondly if he’d been tested for the virus.
On the precautions he’s taking Biden said he’s following Delaware governor John Carney’s guidance.On the precautions he’s taking Biden said he’s following Delaware governor John Carney’s guidance.
“I’ve been following the recommendation of our governor and I’ve been staying in place, not going out, not gathering at events,” Biden said. “The good news is, thank god, at least i’ve been told by the docs, that I have no underlying complication that would complicate that stance.”“I’ve been following the recommendation of our governor and I’ve been staying in place, not going out, not gathering at events,” Biden said. “The good news is, thank god, at least i’ve been told by the docs, that I have no underlying complication that would complicate that stance.”
Biden said he is still interacting with younger members of his family but also keeping his physical distance from younger ones.Biden said he is still interacting with younger members of his family but also keeping his physical distance from younger ones.
“I’m not able to go down and hug them and kiss them which I usually do,” Biden said. “And anybody who walks down from the house, including the secret service on” wears masks and gloves.“I’m not able to go down and hug them and kiss them which I usually do,” Biden said. “And anybody who walks down from the house, including the secret service on” wears masks and gloves.
Former vice president Joe Biden, in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, was asked what he would have demanded of industry right now during the coronavirus crisis.Former vice president Joe Biden, in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, was asked what he would have demanded of industry right now during the coronavirus crisis.
Biden responded, pointing to New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s comments earlier today for more ventilators. As you may recall, Cuomo stressed that even a few thousand more ventilators or beds wouldn’t be enough. Trump, during the Fox News virtual town hall later, said Cuomo previously passed on buying 16,000 ventilators.Biden responded, pointing to New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s comments earlier today for more ventilators. As you may recall, Cuomo stressed that even a few thousand more ventilators or beds wouldn’t be enough. Trump, during the Fox News virtual town hall later, said Cuomo previously passed on buying 16,000 ventilators.
Biden sided with Cuomo, a fellow Democrat.Biden sided with Cuomo, a fellow Democrat.
“He needs a great deal more. The whole country needs them. Let’s move now,” Biden. “He says he’s a wartime president. Well, act like one.”“He needs a great deal more. The whole country needs them. Let’s move now,” Biden. “He says he’s a wartime president. Well, act like one.”
Biden was also asked about Trump’s claim that Biden criticized him for his decision to “close off China.” That claim is not accurate.Biden was also asked about Trump’s claim that Biden criticized him for his decision to “close off China.” That claim is not accurate.
“What a piece of work. What a piece of work. You may recall what I said early on is sending our experts to China to see what’s going on...What is he doing? What is he doing?” the exasperated Biden said. “I mean come on, this is bizarre. ““What a piece of work. What a piece of work. You may recall what I said early on is sending our experts to China to see what’s going on...What is he doing? What is he doing?” the exasperated Biden said. “I mean come on, this is bizarre. “
And on Trump’s call for the country to get back to normal by Easter, Bide scoffed.And on Trump’s call for the country to get back to normal by Easter, Bide scoffed.
“What’s he say? By Easter everyone going back to work? Man, what’s he talking about,” Biden said. “Again the virus is not his fault but the way in which he’s been so slow in responding to things that have been done is astonishing.”“What’s he say? By Easter everyone going back to work? Man, what’s he talking about,” Biden said. “Again the virus is not his fault but the way in which he’s been so slow in responding to things that have been done is astonishing.”
The latest Gallup poll out today finds that Trump’s approval rating is 49% with 45% disapproving, the highest of his term to date and up five points from earlier this month. Additionally, 60% approve of the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic with 38% disapproving.The latest Gallup poll out today finds that Trump’s approval rating is 49% with 45% disapproving, the highest of his term to date and up five points from earlier this month. Additionally, 60% approve of the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic with 38% disapproving.
These polls have taken place on near-weekly basis since Trump’s inauguration and it’s only the second time the president has posted a net positive rating (plus-four). Notably, approval of Trump’s performance among Democrats and independents has increased slightly since earlier this month.These polls have taken place on near-weekly basis since Trump’s inauguration and it’s only the second time the president has posted a net positive rating (plus-four). Notably, approval of Trump’s performance among Democrats and independents has increased slightly since earlier this month.
Gallup cites a “presidential rally effect” as one possible reason behind the spike:Gallup cites a “presidential rally effect” as one possible reason behind the spike:
Georgia is moving to expand mail-in balloting for its upcoming primaryGeorgia is moving to expand mail-in balloting for its upcoming primary
The state will mail an absentee ballot request form to all of its 6.9 million registered voters for the state’s May 19 primary, Brad Raffensperger, the state’s top election official announced Tuesday.The state will mail an absentee ballot request form to all of its 6.9 million registered voters for the state’s May 19 primary, Brad Raffensperger, the state’s top election official announced Tuesday.
The move comes amid a nationwide push to encourage Americans to vote by mail to avoid risk of transmitting covid-19. Georgia was originally scheduled to hold its primary on Tuesday, but delayed it until May 19. There is an aggressive push to get Congress to require states to offer voters a chance to vote by mail in the November presidential election.The move comes amid a nationwide push to encourage Americans to vote by mail to avoid risk of transmitting covid-19. Georgia was originally scheduled to hold its primary on Tuesday, but delayed it until May 19. There is an aggressive push to get Congress to require states to offer voters a chance to vote by mail in the November presidential election.
Georgia does not require an excuse to vote by mail, but just 7% of voters took advantage of the process during the state’s closely watched 2018 gubernatorial election, the Atlanta Journal- Constitution reported. The state will also offer in-person voting on election day.Georgia does not require an excuse to vote by mail, but just 7% of voters took advantage of the process during the state’s closely watched 2018 gubernatorial election, the Atlanta Journal- Constitution reported. The state will also offer in-person voting on election day.
“I am acting today because the people of Georgia, from the earliest settlers to heroes like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis, have fought too long and too hard for their right to vote to have it curtailed,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia has faced challenges before and overcome them, and we can do so again through the grit and ingenuity that has made America a shining example for democracies around the world.”“I am acting today because the people of Georgia, from the earliest settlers to heroes like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis, have fought too long and too hard for their right to vote to have it curtailed,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia has faced challenges before and overcome them, and we can do so again through the grit and ingenuity that has made America a shining example for democracies around the world.”
Sending registered voters an absentee ballot request form could also refocus attention on the way Georgia removes people from the voter rolls. In December, the state removed around 100,000 people who hadn’t voted since the 2012 election and didn’t respond to mailings from the state asking them to confirm their address. Voting rights groups say this process removes eligible voters from the rolls.Sending registered voters an absentee ballot request form could also refocus attention on the way Georgia removes people from the voter rolls. In December, the state removed around 100,000 people who hadn’t voted since the 2012 election and didn’t respond to mailings from the state asking them to confirm their address. Voting rights groups say this process removes eligible voters from the rolls.
A number of lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, are cautioning against Donald Trump’s calls to ease restrictions on businesses to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. It’s a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.A number of lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, are cautioning against Donald Trump’s calls to ease restrictions on businesses to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. It’s a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.
Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney tweeted:Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney tweeted:
Similarly South Carolina senator Lindsay Graham tweeted:Similarly South Carolina senator Lindsay Graham tweeted:
Those tweets are similar to an argument House speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, made, per Politico’s Kyle Cheney:Those tweets are similar to an argument House speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, made, per Politico’s Kyle Cheney:
Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, congressional negotiators say they’re close to a deal on a stimulus package. The bolded sentence is my doing. Here’s The Wall Street Journal’s report:Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, congressional negotiators say they’re close to a deal on a stimulus package. The bolded sentence is my doing. Here’s The Wall Street Journal’s report:
Remember, the major flashpoint was the industry assistance loans. Republicans had a field day on Monday after Democrats blocked passage of a stimulus bill over gripes about that loan fund. Now it seems that flashpoint is fading away.Remember, the major flashpoint was the industry assistance loans. Republicans had a field day on Monday after Democrats blocked passage of a stimulus bill over gripes about that loan fund. Now it seems that flashpoint is fading away.
Keep in mind this is Congress and nothing is over the finish line until it’s over the finish line but it still appears that things haven’t fallen apart yet.Keep in mind this is Congress and nothing is over the finish line until it’s over the finish line but it still appears that things haven’t fallen apart yet.
Trump himself, in that town hall, sounded optimistic about a deal as well.Trump himself, in that town hall, sounded optimistic about a deal as well.
A note on Trump’s comment earlier about how Joe Biden criticized him on his decision to “close off China.”
Trump, as a reminder from earlier in this virtual town hall, said “That was weeks early, and honestly I took a lot of heat. Sleepy Joe Biden said it’s xenophobic, I don’t know if he knows what that means but that’s OK. He said it’s racist what I did.”
But as Bloomberg’s Tyler Pager notes, that’s not quite true:
Trump was asked how he’s doing dealing with the country’s governors through this crisis, especially the Democratic governors.
All is well, Trump said, citing California governor Gavin Newsom.
“Governor Newsom and I have been getting along,” Trump said. “We’re speaking to each other, whether it’s conference calls.”
But Trump added that it has to be a mutually friendly relationship.
“It’s a two way street. They have to treat us well also,” Trump said. Trump went on to point, once again, to New York governor Andrew Cuomo saying earlier today that the Trump administration had not provided the necessary amount of ventilators to his state.
Fox News’ Bill Hemmer pressed Trump on reopening the country by Easter, just 19 days away.
Trump doubled down.
“I think it’s possible. Why isn’t it? We’ve never controlled the country before and we’ve had some flus and some viruses. I think it’s absolutely possible,” Trump said. “We have to get our country back to work. Our country wants to go back to work.”
Trump added that social distancing and precautionary hand washing will still have to be done.
At moments Trump has expressed a sense of urgency about “reopening” the country despite concerns and cautionary statements from some health officials.
“If we delay this thing out you’re going to lose more people than with the situation as we know it. So I think it’s very important for the country to go back,” Trump added. “Otherwise it’s going to be very hard to start it up again.”
The Guardian’s Lois Beckett reported last night as this theme came through strongly in the Monday White House press briefing.
Harvard University president Larry Bacow has announced in a statement that he and his wife have tested positive for coronavirus. “We will be taking the time we need to rest and recuperate during a two-week isolation at home,” it reads. “This virus can lay anyone low. We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines to limit our contact with others.”
Because of the coronavirus epidemic Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has enjoyed an increased national presence. He has accompanied Trump and other top administration officials at coronavirus briefings.
There have been reports that Trump has started to get tired of Fauci’s elevated stature. At moments he has undercut the president’s statements. But asked about Fauci today Trump said their relationship is strong.
“Because he has other things to do. We get along very well,” Trump said. “I think it’s very good. You would’ve heard about it if it wasn’t.
Trump: I’d love to have the country open by April 12th
Trump just now said he would like to have the country back to normal and “open” by Easter. That’s April 12, less than a month away.
“I would love to have it open by Easter. I would love to have it open by Easter,” Trump said. “I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter.”
It wasn’t quite a critique but Trump just shot back at Cuomo about ventilators.
Earlier today Cuomo said he was not getting enough ventilators to keep up with the pandemic curve. Trump and Cuomo have built a fairly cordial and friendly relationship as they’ve kept in touch though the pandemic crisis. But just now at this virtual town hall Trump said Cuomo “should’ve ordered the ventilators.”
“He had a chance in 2016 to buy 16,000 at a very low price and he didn’t do that,” Trump said as he looked at one of the papers he brought out to the town hall.
The president is refraining on laying blame on himself or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in handling the coronoavirus epidemic. He said neither his administration or the CDC is to blame.
“We did not screw up. I don’t think CDC screwed up either,” Trump said. “I don’t think – in all fairness to CDC. Nobody ever expected a thing like this. Nobody expected that millions and millions of people would have to be tested.”
For days the sticking point for Democrats in the stimulus package negotiations was a $500bn fund for businesses. Democrats called it a “slush fund” because, they argued, it lacked sufficient oversight. In a press conference on Monday he said that he would provide the oversight.
During this virtual town hall Trump stressed that the economic stimulus package would focus on helping both large and small businesses through the coronavirus crisis.
“The bill is very much focused on the small business person,” Trump said. “You add them all up and the small businesses are just about equal in size. This bill is absolutely aimed at the small business and the worker. The owners are going to need some help, they’re going to need some loans. I’m going to take care of them.”
Just now Trump signaled a new openness to signing off what seems like an imminent deal between lawmakers on a $1.6 trillion economic stimulus package.
“They had things that are in there that are terrible. A lot of problems and I said I’m not signing this bill. Now they’ve renegotiated,” Trump said.
That’s a flip from late Monday night when Trump was tweeting opposition to sticking points by Democrats in the negotiations.