President Trump’s speech on the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst Oval Office addresses, terrible on both style and specifics. He is completely out of his element in trying to lead during a crisis.
Trump has failed to understand what we face with this coronavirus pandemic, much less communicate it accurately. Just two weeks ago, he was saying that the number of cases in the United States “within a couple of days is going to be down close to zero.” As of this evening, there are more than 1,200 cases in the U.S. and 37 deaths.
Now, Trump is saying the situation is so bad that he is banning all travel from Europe (except the United Kingdom) to the U.S. for at least 30 days. The president even said trade would be suspended, but, within an hour after the speech, the White House, cleaning up the mess, clarified that some trade would be allowed.
Trump did very little to explain the situation further. He did very little to provide context. He did next to nothing to reassure us the federal government has a real plan to see this crisis through to the end. Other than testing without co-pays, Trump did not say anything new about stratagems to handle the crisis better domestically except for things he is doing, or wants done, on the economic front.
What will happen to Americans already in Europe who can’t make it back before the ban goes into effect on Friday? (Even if they are allowed to come back, but quarantined, how will they actually get back if flights are suspended?) Will supply trains for crucial goods be affected even if trade is allowed? He gave no nuance, no reassurance that his administration has thought through the consequences of its actions.
In two weeks, this president went from one extreme to another. On Feb. 26, he was too calm and had no handle on the gravity of the situation. Now, he’s engaged in the very panic he warned against.
Meanwhile, Trump’s speech delivery was horrible. He spoke too quickly, in a monotone with almost no intonation, looking edgy rather than calm. He provided no inspiration whatsoever, not even of the “hard truth” variety exemplified by Winston Churchill’s “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” speech.
Trump, in both rhetoric and action, looks frightened and confused.
President Trump is way out of his depth. It is a tragedy that he is our supposed leader in such a time of serious challenge.
