Bob Woodward, in his new book, Rage, and through released audiotapes, reveals that President Trump recognized how dangerous the coronavirus was, as early as late January and early February. He also revealed that Trump deliberately withheld that information from the American people because he “did not want Americans to panic.”
During those weeks, however, Trump downplayed the virus, calling it a “hoax,” blaming the Chinese and Democrats, suggesting it was no worse than the flu and that it would disappear. In fact, coronavirus has been none of these things and as of September 9, has killed 189,961 Americans.
Other presidents made a different choice. They knew that if they spoke honestly and plainly to the American people, explaining the situation, and sharing what they intended to do, then the American people would understand.
Franklin Roosevelt, in his first Fireside Chat, during the Great Depression, explained banking, what contributed to the crisis and what the federal government intended to do. As a result, many Americans, who had withdrawn their money from the banks, re-deposited their funds.
After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Franklin Roosevelt again addressed the American people in his “A Day that will live in Infamy” speech. He stated the facts and reassured Americans of their strength and ability to win.
Similarly, John F. Kennedy addressed the American people during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He, too, was honest about the seriousness of the situation and laid out the steps the federal government intended to take to address it.
On the evening of September 11, 2001, George W. Bush spoke to the nation, to not only console Americans, but also to reassure them of the steps he and his administration had taken and intended to take to address the horrific attacks that took place that day.
Imagine if this President had been honest from the beginning, explaining the seriousness of this epidemic to the American people. Imagine if he and his administration had taken steps early on to address the pandemic – and shared those steps with all Americans. Imagine how many Americans would be alive today. How many families would not be grieving the loss of a loved one. How many would not have struggled, and continue to struggle with a debilitating illness. How many would not be risking their lives, every single day, caring for patients, or nursing home residents, or working on farms, in factories, grocery stores, warehouses and day care centers.
How many would still be employed or kept their business intact. How many would not have lost their life savings. How many would still be in their homes or apartments. How many students would be in school. How many athletes would be playing sports. How many artists would be performing. How many trips and vacations would have been taken. How many milestones – weddings, graduations, birthdays – would have been celebrated with more than just a handful. How many of us would be together, rather than isolated.
The American people, throughout history, have shown resilience and strength in the face of incredible adversity, particularly if leaders are honest and forthright about the crises before them. This time, we were not given that chance. Imagine what could have been had we been trusted to know.