When it comes to the novel coronavirus,
President Trump is ever the optimist.As the virus spreads throughout the U.S. and across the globe, stoking fears about physical and economic health (amplified by Monday's stock market plunge), Trump has maintained a mostly rosy outlook. He continued that Monday first by highlighting tumbling gas prices — spurred by Saudi Arabia's decision to slash oil exports by 10 percent over the weekend and crude oil falling more than 20 percent — which he said were "good for the consumer."> Good for the consumer, gasoline prices coming down!> > — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020A few minutes later he complained about the economic ramifications of COVID-19, arguing that the flu affects and kills a lot more people than the new virus, but nothing shuts down.> The president, in a series of tweets this morning, seems to be flailing about for a means to reassure a sliding Wall St https://t.co/JvRElh0SH3> > — Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) March 9, 2020Trump, for what it's worth, admitted he only recently learned people died from the flu. But he now seems to be running with the knowledge at full speed.More stories from theweek.com Trump retweets
White House photo of him fiddling, says he doesn't know 'what this means' White House: Trump has not been tested for coronavirus Trump reportedly told aides he fears journalists will purposefully try to infect him with coronavirus on Air Force One