Trump wants business as usual; the medical community begs to differ

Photo by Drew Angerer/ Getty Images

By Aaron Sincere Kershaw

President Trump has an increased sense of urgency to upstart the American economy, even if it contradicts the advice of his top health advisers.

Social distancing has caused a shutdown of non-essential businesses across the nation as people attempt to slow the transmission of COVID-19. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci/ AP Images

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Friday on the Today Show, “I cannot see that all of a sudden, next week or two weeks from now it’s going to be over. I don’t think there’s a chance of that.”

Trump, defying the experts, said, “If it were up to the doctors, they may say let’s keep it shut down, let’s shut down the entire world.”

“So let’s shut down the entire world, and when we shut it down, that would be wonderful. And let’s keep it shut for a couple of years, you know we can’t do that,” Trump said.

The shutdown has displaced workers in travel, retail, restaurants, hotels, and more, weakening the economy as investors dump stocks negatively affected by the crisis.

Trump's anxiety stems from concerns for the economy, which was 'Exhibit A' for his reelection bid before markets crashed in response to the global pandemic.

An incumbent President with a weak economy is a vulnerable one, and Trump seems well aware of those implications as he calls for a "15-day challenge," to have America "back to business" within the next few weeks.

"Our country wasn't built to be shut down," Trump said during a news briefing Monday.

"We will be using data to recommend new protocols to allow local economies to cautiously resume their activity at the appropriate time. We also have a large team working on what the next steps will be once the medical community gives a region the okay. Meaning the okay to get going, to get back, let's go to work".

With bailout requests coming from multiple industries, Trump would not commit to reject a taxpayer bailout for his luxury Trump Hotels. Instead, Trump cited the rejection of his presidential salary.

"Instead of being thanked for… for just not doing it [not accepting the presidential salary], I get excoriated all the time. So I've learned, let's see what happens."

Tuesday, Trump revealed a revised deadline for when he'd like to see the country get back to work. 

"I would love to have the country open up by Easter," Trump said.

As Trump's top economic advisers consult the President on what is best for the American economy, Americans depend on the President to consider first the public's health and well being.

Please follow Aaron Kershaw on Twitter at @polygraphtics