Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on Sunday dismissed as “rhetoric” President Donald Trump’s threat that coronavirus assistance depends on governors being “appreciative” of the help.
In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, said the “reality” is that federal assistance will have no strings attached.
“The reality is that the people who need things will get what they need,” he said. “There's a reality and a rhetoric. … I know the spirit of the task force and when we talk about when people need things, doesn't matter who they are, we try to get them what they need. “
Trump raised eyebrows last week when he rejected any criticism of the government's response, and delivered a stern warning to state and local leaders who’ve been critical and demanded that more be done.
“We have done a hell of a job," Trump declared Friday, adding ominously, “If they don’t treat you right, I don't call… I want them to be appreciative.”
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