In response to a new book from veteran journalist Bob Woodward, the White House’s defense has become clear: President Trump didn’t downplay the coronavirus but rather was trying to reassure the public in a time of crisis.
In a press conference on Wednesday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was peppered with questions about newly released tapes of conversations between Woodward and Trump. Those talks were had in preparation for Woodward’s book, Rage, which is set to be released on Sept. 15.
“The president never downplayed the virus,” she told reporters. McEnany repeatedly insisted that Trump was trying to express “calm.”
In at least one of the tapes, Trump talked to Woodward in March about responding to the coronavirus. “I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down because I don’t want to create a panic,” he said.
At one point, McEnany referred to the comments reporters were referencing as something the president “allegedly” said, but the conversation is on tape and widely available.
When asked by a reporter if Trump misled the public, McEnany said that Trump “has never lied to the American public on COVID.” McEnany said, “This president does what leaders do. Good leaders. It’s stay calm and resolute at a time when you face an insurmountable challenge.”
“The president has never lied to the American public on Covid” — Kaleigh McEnany (Trump in fact said coronavirus would go away on its own without anyone dying 190,000 deaths ago) pic.twitter.com/irsvNEUz7a
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 9, 2020
