Viral untruths II

We do not believe in taking potshots at the president during a public health crisis. Nor do we believe in artificially suppressing criticism when it must be aired. In that spirit: In the best of times, President Trump’s mendacity, salesman braggadocio and nasty rhetoric is a danger to the body politic. In a global pandemic, it has proven downright lethal.

On Feb. 26, Trump declared that “the 15 [cases] within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero,” one of many times he minimized the growing threat.

His March 11 prime time address gave false information on travel from Europe, panicking Americans there and forcing them to wait hours in customs — possibly exposing them in the process.

Back in April 2018, Trump defended the fateful firing of the White House global health strategy team that had been assembled in the wake of the Ebola outbreak, saying he “didn’t want thousands of people around when you don’t need them.” Two weeks ago, he told reporters he didn’t know why it had been disbanded.

Meantime, after attacking good newspapers and TV networks as purveyors of “fake news,” Trump & Co. now tell Americans to turn to sources they can trust. That’s rich.

Then there are flashes of petty rage, like the moment Friday when he answered a simple question about his message to frightened Americans by answering, “I say that you’re a terrible reporter, that’s what I say.”

Mr. President, tell the truth. Show maturity. If you possibly can.