Donald Trump’s CDC scandal just got even uglier for him

| 12:01 pm EDT September 15, 2020
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In a non-surprising move, Democrats have launched an investigation into the Trump administration’s editing and interference in the CDC’s reports on coronavirus. Politico broke the initial story, and they are following the fallout. Representative Jim Clyburn, chair of the House Select Subcommittee on coronavirus, sent a letter to Alex Azar and CDC Director Robert Redfield to get to the bottom of things. The letter is also signed by Maxine Waters, Carolyn Maloney, Nydia Velázquez, Bill Foster, Jamie Raskin, and Andy Kim. The letter includes a document request and instructions on how the response must be made. Clyburn made clear that he believes CDC reports are being used for “political manipulation” and those actions are hurting experts’ ability to properly and accurately monitor the spread of the virus.

The focus is on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports, which provide the most up-to-date, accurate indicators on coronavirus. Paul Alexander, Trump’s latest disastrous appointee, claims that these reports “must be read by someone outside the CDC like myself.” Really? And what does this-part time medical researcher know that puts him in a position superior to scientists? He probably does not even understand half of it. The subcommittee — rightfully — pointed out that these reports have always been published without political interference, until now. The subcommittee has also requested transcribed interviews and have requested additional interviews, including with Alexander and Michael Caputo.

Not surprisingly, public health experts are outraged, noting that “MMWRs have been a cornerstone of global public health work for decades, including a famed 1981 report that revealed the existence of HIV.” Atul Gawande, a well-known surgeon weighed in that “political appointees should have no role in scientific publications. None.” Caputo has decided that the CDC is part of the “deep state” that is out to get “president” Donald Trump. This contention is ludicrous. These practices have been going on for decades. Now, we have a nut-job president who thinks he knows everything, including more than established science and the people who have been in this field for years. This, however, should be no surprise, as Trump continues to thumb his nose at coronavirus.

Trump’s latest rally in Nevada risks being another super-spreader. NBC News reported on Governor Steve Sisolak’s take on Trump’s rally: “Reckless and selfish.” That about sums up Trump and everything he does. Photographs show hundreds of people literally shoulder-to-shoulder, no masks in sight. Governor Sisolak reported that Trump “knowingly packed thousands into an indoor venue” and that he has “forgotten that this country is still in the middle of a global pandemic.” He has not forgotten; he just does not give a damn. Trump said that he is not “subject to the state’s rules.” He further said that because “he’s on stage, very far away” from the audience, he is “not concerned at all.” What about the people watching him? What a loser we have sitting in the White House. Trump once again shows that his concern is only for himself. Why these people support him is puzzling. Nothing involving Trump makes any sense, and we must put a stop to it on November 3.