https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/3/21/21189179/coronavirus-trump-intelligence-reports-warned-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR1nMLbSl07vaUnXa6EyAcB-hh04CMmltfO8VIm7UqW9kNHvFuAMwfrz6zU

<snip>

US intelligence officials reportedly warned President Donald Trump and Congress about the threats posed by the novel coronavirus beginning in early January — weeks before the White House and lawmakers began implementing stringent public health measures and as the president minimized the threat posed by the virus in his tweets and public statements.

The fact those warnings were largely disregarded — something first reported by the Washington Post’s Shane Harris, Greg Miller, Josh Dawsey, and Ellen Nakashima — suggests Trump administration officials failed to take action that could have prepared the health care system to handle an influx of patients, helped Americans avoid mass social distancing, and saved lives.

Top health officials first learned of the virus’s spread in China on January 3, US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Friday. Throughout January and February, intelligence officials’ warnings became more and more urgent, according to the Post — and by early February, much of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the CIA’s intelligence reports were dedicated to warnings about Covid-19.

<snip>
All the while, Trump downplayed the virus publicly, telling the public the coronavirus “is very well under control in our country,” and suggesting warm weather would neutralize the threat the virus poses.

The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020

They were used by Donald Trump in 2016 to promote his political propaganda and lies.

They should not do it again.

Especially during this critical time for our country. His lies and propaganda are dangerous for our country and the health of our people.

He is using them to falsely promote himself and to deceive certain parts of our population to keep up his polls and increase his odds for election in November. It is irresponsible to promote such a political agenda during this crisis we are now experiencing.

These networks need to work for the interests of the American people at this time - not for the interest of any politician or political Party.

They should guard against being drawn into this trap again.

One need not be an expert to see that something was going on behind the stage.

It began when SoS Pompeo came out with the usual suspects, including Dr. Fauci, soon followed by Trump and Pence.

There was a tension in the air. The expressions on the faces told us that something must have happened before they came out?

Right off the bat, Pompeo wanted everyone to see that he agreed with Trump that it was a "Chinese Virus". All the others that spoke, including VP Pence, referred to the "Coronavirus". We could glean that it was probably one of the topics of conversations before they came out?

The Dear Leader introduced Pompeo and gave notice that he would have to leave early, to return to the "Deep State", over at the State Department. Dr Fauci rolled his eyes and wiped his forehead as he listened to the remarks.

Mr Trump was in a foul mood. He lurked over all the speakers that were called to the microphone. It was reminiscent of his stalking of Hillary Clinton during one of their debates in 2016.

When Peter Alexander of NBC News gave him a chance to comfort and re-assure the people, Mr Trump attacked him as a "terrible" reporter. The tension had finally cracked the egg.

With former WH spokesman Sean Spicer sitting with the reporters, it appeared to be some sort of set-up from the beginning?

We can only assume that backstage Mr Trump was directing the show, and that he wanted everyone to talk up the great job he is doing and to assist him with his election in November. From my perspective, that is what yesterday's presser appeared to be - a campaign event.

For standing up to the "terrible" president.

I remember the side effects. A lot of cramps and diarrhea.

The large orange pill.

Maybe that is why Trump is so attracted to that pill?

To tell everyone about the great job the "President" is doing.

Protect Donald Trump's Re-Election Campaign.

This is the substitute for the Trump rallies.

There is no substantive information coming from Donald Trump. It is always the same bullshit, echoed by the sycophants on stage with him.

The propaganda continues.

It seems like nothing but a bribe so the voters won't hold them responsible?

I am physically sick to my stomach reading about the corruption in the US Senate and the greed of the elected officials of this country.

It's not enough having to deal with the pandemic, we have to deal with a bunch of crooks in our government.

Is it any wonder that we are in the situation we are in?

How unhealthy is it to be totally isolated?

Is it necessary?

If you and your family have been isolated for a couple of weeks and your closest neighbors have been isolated for a couple of weeks, and no one has been sick, would it be safe to meet with your closest friends?

In my opinion, we should guard against becoming too isolated.

My wife and I are probably the oldest folks on our block but we have had two or three neighbors call us to see if we need anything from the store or pharmacy and have kept in touch with us the last few days. We have been blessed with great neighbors.

What is most on his mind?