The finger pointing reflects some of the broader confusion and mixed messaging that health experts say hampered the Trump administration's early attempts to stanch the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
“What has been remarkable is that Trump has not had a global crisis like this during his presidency so far. This is his leadership moment and he has been ill-prepared for it,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian and professor of history at Rice University. “Instead, Trump wants to create an alternative lane of blame.”
At a White House briefing late Monday, Trump said he would propose some of these options more formally on Tuesday, specifically mentioning a payroll tax cut, help for hourly wage earners who don’t have paid time off and loans for affected industries and small businesses. Trump also vowed to work closely with the airline, cruise ship and hospitality industries, which have seen a downturn in business in recent weeks.
Mnuchin said on Monday night the president was committed to using any tool to ensure the health of the economy. He added: “The best solution to the economic challenge is to hope that we get through the coronavirus quickly and the summer weather does make a difference. Though this may be the one virus where it won’t make a difference.”
“This is a leadership opportunity for the president to paint for the American people what it is going to look like over the next couple of weeks, months, up to a year," he added.
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