Trump’s Notes Photographed Up Close Shows ‘Corona’ Replaced By ‘Chinese Virus’
Image via Michael Candelori / Shutterstock.com
An edit in US president Donald Trump’s conference notes from yesterday’s coronavirus briefing has left viewers appalled.
In a photo shot by Washington Post photographer Jabin Botsford, the notes showed the word “corona” being crossed out with a black marker and replaced with the word “Chinese” written above it.
Though it is still unclear who altered the notes, Trump has been under scrutiny this week for calling coronavirus the “Chinese virus.” Many internet users have described this term as “racist,” but Trump defended himself, stating that it wasn’t in any way discriminatory.
“It comes from China,” he said. “It’s not racist at all. I want to be accurate.”
His claims contradict his own health advisers Alex Azar and Robert Redfield, who have declared the phrase “Chinese virus” as “inappropriate and inaccurate,” the Washington Post reported.
The correct term used by international scientists, health officials and the World Health Organization is coronavirus (officially SARS-CoV-2), which gives rise to the disease COVID-19.
Close up of President @realDonaldTrump notes is seen where he crossed out "Corona" and replaced it with "Chinese" Virus as he speaks with his coronavirus task force today at the White House. #trump #trumpnotes pic.twitter.com/kVw9yrPPeJ
— Jabin Botsford (@jabinbotsford) March 19, 2020
Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2020
Before the media’s fake outrage, even CNN called it “Chinese Coronavirus.”
Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis.
Dear @WhiteHouse: This virus has an official name, Covid-19 and an unofficial name, Coronavirus. Your language will cause more discrimination against Asian Americans.
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 18, 2020
What would help is if you can get hospitals & first responders much more test kits & protective equipment. https://t.co/BrMvEjABfO
Perhaps it's now time for someone to use a Sharpie to cross that out and write 'Trump'.#TrumpVirus
— Steve Herzfeld 🌊 (@american2084) March 19, 2020
Trump's exceptional incompetence is making this pandemic far worse.
Words matter!@hrw found COVID19 motivated anti-Asian hate crimes including physical attacks & beatings, violent bullying in schools, angry threats & discrimination in workplaces.
— Akshaya Kumar (@AkshayaSays) March 19, 2020
Instead of warning against that, our president is stoking those fireshttps://t.co/YVujtDgQJF
[via HuffPost, opening image via Michael Candelori / Shutterstock.com]
