President
Donald Trump speaks during an event on judicial appointments, in the
Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020,
in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:40 PM PT – Wednesday, September 9, 2020
President
Trump has addressed the newly released audio of his conversation with
journalist Bob Woodward, in which he allegedly downplayed the
coronavirus. During Wednesday’s press briefing, the president explained
he didn’t want to frighten people and create a panic early on during the
pandemic.
He has suggested causing a frenzy would have led to a sharp increase in the price of personal protective equipment.
“The
fact is, I’m a cheerleader for this country. I love our country and I
don’t want people to be frightened. I don’t want to create panic, as you
say. Certainly, I’m not going to drive this country or the world into a
frenzy.” – Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States
He also highlighted his administration’s response to the virus.
“We
want to show confidence, we want to show strength as a nation, and
that’s what I’ve done,” he added. “We’ve done very well, if you look at
our numbers compared to other countries, other parts of the world.”
The president went on to criticize China for not stopping the virus from spreading to the world.
FILE
– In this April 29, 2017, file photo journalist Bob Woodward sits at
the head table during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in
Washington. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)
The
White House has since called out Woodward’s new book, “Rage,” which
claimed President Trump intentionally mislead Americans about COVID-19.
“The president has never lied to the American public on COVID,” stated Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
According
to McEnany, the president has been honest with the American people from
the beginning. She noted he has even received praise from Dr. Anthony
Fauci for the way he is handling the pandemic.
“The
president was expressing calm and his actions reflect that. On January
6th, the CDC issued a Wuhan travel notice before any confirmed U.S.
cases, among a number of other actions. I’d refer you to Dr. Fauci, who
said that this president has an impressive response. I can’t imagine
under any circumstance that anyone could be doing anything more. That is
the record of this president.” – Kayleigh McEnany, White House Press Secretary
When
asked whether or not President Trump lied to the country about the
coronavirus, the press secretary reiterated that the president was
“expressing calm.”
She went on to
clarify what was actually said by the president and stood firm in her
belief that he has been the most transparent president to date.
“The
president, just days after having this discussion with Bob Woodward,
…said, ‘I do want them to stay calm. We are doing a great job.’ …It is
important to stay calm, so this president does what good leaders do:
stay calm and resolute when you face an insurmountable challenge. That’s
what this president has done.” – Kayleigh McEnany, White House Press Secretary
She
added the president stands by the fact he took “serious steps” to
combat the virus, while Democrats were solely focused on trying to
impeach him.