Journalist Bob Woodward revealed President Donald Trump was well aware of the fact that the coronavirus pandemic was coming before he began taking the necessary steps to mitigate the spread of the virus.
During an exclusive â60 Minutesâ interview with Scott Pelley, Woodward recalled Trump telling him when he first received intelligence about the coronavirus.
âOn January 28th of this year, before the virus was on anyoneâs radar, the national security advisor, Robert OâBrien, told the president, âThis virus will be the biggest national security threat you face in your presidency,'â Woodward said on Sunday.
When asked about Trumpâs reaction to the warning, Woodward claimed the president asked questions that suggested he had a difference in opinion regarding the severity of the virus.
Woodward later added, âIt was a stunning moment in the Trump presidency and, I think, in American history. Because he then went on to publicly dismiss the virus. And he knew that this was a pandemic coming.â
When clarifying that âthis is January 28th,â Woodward told Pelley, âYes.â
See Woodwardâs remarks below:
Woodwardâs latest interview follows the release of audio that confirmed the president was aware of how deadly the virus could be. The released audio also captured the president suggesting that he prefers to downplay the virus to not cause panic, as previously reported on IJR.
Based on the audio clip, Trump not only knew the pandemic was coming, but on February 7, he also noted specific details about the severity of it and how it differs from the seasonal flu.
Even then, Trump admitted that he was aware of the airborne transmission of the coronavirus.
âIt goes through air, Bob. Thatâs always tougher than the touch. You know, the touch, you donât have to touch things,â Trump told Woodward in February.
He continued, âBut the air⌠You just breathe the air and thatâs how itâs passed. And so thatâs a very tricky one. Thatâs a very delicate one. Itâs also more deadly than even your strenuous flu.â
Hear the audio below:
Additionally, on Monday, Woodward argued how history will be written.
âThe president of the United States possessed the specific knowledge that could have saved lives. Historians are going to be writing about the lost month of February,â Woodward said during a âTodayâ show interview.
As of Monday morning, the United States has reported more than 6.7 million coronavirus cases, nationwide. The death toll is over 198,000 and there are more than 3.9 reported recoveries.
