COVID-19 and masks: Trump in his own words

US president has played down the pandemic and has asked people not to worry about it

Last updated: October 06, 2020 | 20:39

4 MIN READ

US President Donald Trump salutes from the Truman Balcony upon his return to the White House from Walter Reed Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for COVID-19, in Washington, DC.

AFP

Jan 22

Asked by a CNBC reporter whether there were “worries about a pandemic, President Donald Trump replied:

Jan. 30

Speaking in Warren, Michigan

We have very little problem in this country at this moment - five. And those people are all recuperating successfully.

US President Donald Trump

Feb. 14

Addressing the National Border Patrol Council:

Feb. 24

In a tweet

Feb. 26

At a White House news conference, commenting on the country’s first reported cases:

We’re going to be pretty soon at only five people. And we could be at just one or two people over the next short period of time. So we’ve had very good luck.

US President Donald Trump

Feb. 26

Flanked by top health officials from several government agencies:

Feb. 27

At a White House meeting:

March 3

Speaking to reporters:

March 7

Asked at Mar-a-Lago whether he was concerned that the virus was getting closer to the White House and Washington:

No, I’m not concerned at all. No, I’m not. No, we’ve done a great job.

US President Donald Trump

March 16

In the White House briefing room:

March 30

Asked whether mask-wearing could prevent transmissions:

April 3

Speaking at the White House:

May 21

Touring a Ford plant: