The Federal Role in the U.S. Coronavirus Response: Debunking the Blame on Trump

The recent discourse surrounding the U.S. coronavirus response has placed significant blame on former President Donald Trump. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that the governors and state policies played a more significant role in shaping the nation's response. This article delves into the actual responsibilities of the federal government and questions the validity of the blame placed on Trump.

Contrasting Presidential Blame

The discussion around President Trump and his handling of the coronavirus often ignores the historically prevalent practice of blaming each other's party presidents for every crisis, regardless of the actual role played. For instance, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, no Republican president was similarly pilloried for Bush's administration's shortcomings. Similarly, during more lethal disease outbreaks, no Republican president faced such relentless scrutiny.

The Federal Government's Role

One of the key responsibilities of the federal government is to manage and coordinate national-level issues that affect the entire country. When a plague or pandemic threatens the health of the nation and the economy, it is the duty of the federal government to respond. Critically, in Trump's case, the opposite occurred. Instead of taking on a leadership role, Trump walked away from the National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense, which was established to prepare for future pandemics.

The Futility of Political Posturing

One of Trump's major failings was his refusal to treat the pandemic as a medical issue rather than a political one. His initial dismissive attitude, calling the coronavirus a hoax, set a dangerous precedent. This political stance not only misled the public but also sparked confusion and fear. Trump's dismissive actions extended to the disregard of expert medical advice, believing himself to be the ultimate authority. His reluctance to wear masks and public remarks downplaying the importance of protective equipment added to the chaos.

Actions vs Words

Throughout his presidency, Trump's campaign promises and actual actions starkly contrasted. His pledge to cancel every unconstitutional executive action memorandum and order issued by President Obama was a clear indication of his desire to downplay federal authority. In practice, one of his first actions was to eliminate the very department established after the Ebola epidemic to prevent future pandemics. This decision further diluted the federal government's ability to coordinate and respond effectively.

Consequences of Inaction

The consequences of these inactions have been catastrophic. As of now, over 600,000 Americans have lost their lives to the coronavirus, a number that could have been significantly lower with a more robust federal response. Instead of leading, Trump left it to state governors, many of whom were ill-equipped to handle the crisis, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of coordinated effort.

Conclusion

In the context of the U.S. coronavirus response, the blame should not solely rest on Trump. His actions and inactions did play a role, but the systemic failures in pandemic preparedness and the overall federal response must also be acknowledged. It is crucial to understand the actual responsibilities of the federal government and ensure future administrations prioritize public health over political posturing.