Trump’s new strategy on coronavirus is already being undermined by his own actions

Analysis by Stephen Collinson, CNN

Updated 11:50 AM ET, Thu March 19, 2020

(CNN)It’s a stunning reversal President Donald Trump would like Americans to forget.

Only days after dismissing the coronavirus threat as a distraction, he’s now assumed the title of a resolute war time president fighting an “invisible enemy” while promising to rally the nation behind him in pursuit of “total victory.”

Trump’s new posture is in response to a crisis that is worsening by the hour and appears to be partly designed to cover up the administration’s failures in distributing testing kits that have might help authorities slow the virus’ advance.

And it is already being undermined by his own actions. He’s casting doubt over whether he will actually implement a move to invoke the Defense Production Act — that he signed on Wednesday and that gives him authority to order industry to work towards homeland defense and national goals. In this case, it could speed the production of badly needed ventilators, masks and other supplies for hospital workers.
Trump’s initial decision was welcomed by state governors and representatives for frontline medical workers who fear being exposed to the virus due to shortages of protective equipment.

Continued

PolarParty

Article URL : https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/politics/donald-trump-leadership-coronavirus/index.html