INSANITY
Medics blast Covid carrier Trump’s ‘PR stunt’ in car
DONALD Trump’s drive-by outside the hospital where he was being treated for coronavirus has sparked widespread fury among US doctors.
One called the president’s actions “insanity” that put the health of all those in the bullet-proof SUV with him at risk.
Trump, 74, – who was last night due to leave the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland – drove past supporters on Sunday in a move branded a “PR stunt”.
Emergency medicine doctor James Phillips, a physician at the hospital, tweeted: “Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘drive-by’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days.
“They might get sick. They may die. For political theatre. Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk.”
Dr Phillips also said it raised the question of whether Trump was directing his doctors and said it breached standards of care. He added:
“At what point does the physician-patient relationship end, and the commander in chief and subordinate relationship begin?
“Were those doctors ordered to let this happen?”
Scores of physicians across the country echoed the fury. There was also anger from within the Secret Service, which protects the president. One agent said: “He’s not even pretending to care now.” White House spokesman Judd Deere insisted precautions were taken during the short trip. He said: “The movement was cleared by the medical team as safe to do.” Announcing his intention to leave hospital last night, Trump tweeted: “Feeling really good. Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life... I feel better than I did 20 years ago.” The decision to leave was met with derision by medical experts. One said his words showed a complete disregard to the 210,000 Americans who have died of Covid. Dr Eugene Gu wrote: “Don’t be afraid of Covid? Not every American has access to the top therapeutics and doctors with the most advanced equipment available to the President of the United States.” “It’s beyond irresponsible for the president to use his one experience with Covid-19 and extrapolate that to millions of people who are suffering. More than 200,000 Americans have already died.” Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany yesterday became the latest of Trump’s staff to test positive. Reporters told of their anger after she gave a press conference on Sunday while not wearing a mask. New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi posted: “She has recklessly endangered lives.”