Trump acknowledges 'it's possible' some people will die when coronavirus restrictions are lifted
President Trump has admitted there may be some devastating consequences to reopening businesses before the COVID-19 threat has cleared.
ABC News' David Muir sat down with Trump on Tuesday — at a distance — and asked him about Dr. Anthony Fauci's concerns that "death" and "suffering" will coincide with any attempts to reopen businesses. "Do you believe ... lives will be lost to reopen the country?" Muir asked. "It's possible there will be some because you won't be locked into an apartment or a house," Trump responded, saying those effects will hopefully be mitigated with continued "social distancing" and "washing hands." "We have to get our country back. You know, people are dying the other way too," Trump continued, citing "drugs" and "suicides."
Trump similarly acknowledged people will be "affected badly" when speaking to reporters in Arizona on Tuesday, but maintained "we have to get our country open and we have to get it open soon."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
How AI-generated images are threatening science
Under The Radar Publishers and specialists are struggling to keep up with the impact of new content
By Abby Wilson Published
-
The Week contest: Demotivational coach
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 15, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 15, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Judge revives plea deal for 9/11 suspects
Speed Read A military judge has ruled to restore the plea deals struck by 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-conspirators
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Harris concedes as world prepares for Trump's return
Speed Read Vice President Kamala Harris told supporters it was important to 'accept the results of this election'
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Abortion rights measures go 7 for 10
Speed Read Constitutional amendments to protect abortion passed in seven states but failed in three others: Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Netanyahu fires defense minister, sparking protests
Speed Read Yoav Gallant and Netanyahu have clashed for years. The Israeli prime minister first tried to fire the defense minister in 2023, but backed off following a public outcry.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump wins, GOP flips Senate, House a tossup
Speed Read The Republican candidate flipped back the swing states he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Supreme Court to resolve Louisiana gerrymander
Speed Read The court will hear a case challenging the second majority-Black district in the state
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Russia accused of election agitation, firebomb plot
Speed Read European officials accused Russian operatives of plotting to smuggle incendiary devices aboard planes bound for the US
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Moldova's pro-West president wins 2nd term
Speed Read Maia Sandu beat Alexandr Stoianoglo, despite suspicions of Russia meddling in the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published