Coronavirus: Trump says he did not see Navarro memos warning of risks

Advisor sent messages in January and February warning of risks of COVID-19 pandemic

Last updated: April 08, 2020 | 02:43

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U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2020.

Reuters

Washington: President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had not seen memos by White House trade advisor Peter Navarro warning of coronavirus risks, and that he retained confidence in Navarro.

Navarro, a China hawk, sent a memo in late January warning the new coronavirus could create a pandemic and urged a travel ban for China, the New York Times reported. A second memo, written in late February and sent to the president, said it could kill up to 2 million Americans.

Asked if he still had confidence in Navarro, Trump said, “Of course.” “Peter is a smart guy, a good guy,” the president said.