A Complete Analysis Of Trump’s 169th Unpresidented Week As POTUS

By telling his voters to protest stay-at-home orders, Trump is endangering the lives of his own base and stifling his administration's COVID-19 response.

by: Ahmed Baba on April 20, 2020

President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House COVID-19 Coronavirus task force – – Thursday, April 16, 2020. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

Trump’s first major typo after winning the election was spelling Unprecedented incorrectly. He infamously tweeted “Unpresidented.” This typo is emblematic of his administration: An impulsive, frantically thrown together group of characters with virtually no oversight. After Trump was sworn in, I started writing the weekly “Unpresidented” column, analyzing every week of his presidency. This is week 169.

The United States is now at over 750,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 40,000 deaths. As we begin to flatten the curve in states like New York, some Republican states have begun prematurely lifting restrictions, like beaches in Florida. Meanwhile, the President of the United States is telling his supporters to protest states with stay-at-home orders. This is what happens when you elect a scatter-brained unstable egomaniac.

On Monday, President Trump was falsely claiming to have “total authority” to overrule governors and reopen the economy. The next day, he woke up accusing the governors of mutiny, only to surrender to the 10th Amendment later that evening, saying the pace of reopening is up to the governors. But by Friday, President Trump was tweeting out calls to “LIBERATE” Michigan, Virginia, and Minnesota – inciting dangerously foolish protests against Democratic governors with stay-at-home orders. With these actions, President Trump is stifling his own government’s ability to combat COVID-19.

First, we’ll discuss President Trump’s disjointed claims of total authority with no responsibility. After Trump’s Monday claim of “total authority,” Trump sent out a Tuesday tweet that metaphorically told governors to fall in and line and stop critiquing him, referencing a mutiny. He also seemed to be saying that they’ll have to bend to his demand to reopen the government or he may withhold medical equipment.

Later that same day, Trump said he was “authorizing” states to make their own plans to reopen the economy at their own pace. Of course, this was already the case because the 10th Amendment exists. Governors were already regionally making plans to reopen. This was just an attempt on Trump’s part to not look weak. By Friday, Trump simply released guidelines for how states could reopen. It was vague on specific benchmarks and Trump continues to pass the buck on increasing testing capacity and contact tracing systems that would be necessary to reopen the economy.

When it comes to scapegoating, President Trump continued his smears of the World Health Organization (WHO). On Tuesday, Trump officially announced that he has put WHO funding on hold and accused them of mismanaging and covering up the spread of COVID-19 – exactly what he himself is guilty of. Trump also accused the WHO of regurgitating Chinese talking points, when he himself did the same thing in January, praising their response “transparency.”

By the weekend, The Washington Post published a piece revealing how the WHO alerted the Trump Administration in real-time about the spread of coronavirus in late 2019. This blame game was inevitable. President Trump’s base thrives on whataboutism. Trump can’t defend his indefensible, failed COVID-19 response, so he’s now throwing them a “what about the WHO” talking point to hold on to.

Let’s touch on the briefings, shall we? Having watched almost all of Donald Trump’s appearances since he became President of the United States, his coronavirus briefing on Monday definitely made the top ten most unhinged moments of the Trump presidency. In that briefing, Trump once again demonstrated why his personality traits and lack of character makes him unmistakably unfit for the most powerful position on earth. His ignorance, instability, depravity, and inability to see past himself was on full display.

Looking to make a difference? Consider signing one of these sponsored petitions:

Take Action To Protect Voting Rights With The ACLU Sign Now

Demand Equal COVID-19 Economic Support And Healthcare For African Americans Sign Now

Support The Switch To 100% Renewable Energy Sign Now

*Rantt Media may receive compensation from the partners we feature on our site. However, this in no way affects our news coverage, analysis, or political 101's.

President Trump used the briefing to play a campaign video that was widely panned as blatant propaganda with the intent of rewriting history. The video displayed selective clips of governors praising him then showed a dishonest timeline of his own response omitting February, where he spent the month downplaying coronavirus and holding numerous rallies. This was rewriting history. Trump also sought another distraction by threatening to adjourn Congress if they don’t push through his appointees.

When looking at that propaganda ad, remember this was Kayleigh McEnany’s first week as White House Press Secretary. She was previously on the 2020 Trump Campaign. The merge of the campaign and administration has always existed, but it will only get worse from here. This is just the beginning. Aside from his stunning unfitness for office, this week’s briefings signaled one resounding truth: Donald Trump is terrified of his re-election prospects.

President Trump’s approval ratings have taken a major hit in recent weeks. This is 100% why he’s been freaking out in his briefings and trying desperately to rewrite the history of his coronavirus response. So now, he’s trying to push for a preemptive reopening of the economy and egging on protests against COVID-19 shutdowns.

We heard more depraved “die for the economy” calls this week. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) outright said that letting people die is the lesser of two evils when compared to keeping the economy closed. Dr. Oz went on Fox News to say that sending kids back to school was “appetizing” even if it increases mortality. Dr. Phil also went on Fox News to falsely equate coronavirus to other forms of deaths.

The economy will come back. Lives lost will never come back. Is it surprising the very people in the Republican Party who spent decades preaching about the sanctity of every single life when it comes to fetuses are now brazenly advocating we prematurely reopen the economy and kill more people? No. It’s not. Because they’ve never been pro-life. They’re frauds.

Now, we get to the irresponsible protests around the country. This week, there were COVID-19 protests in Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky, Utah, North Carolina, Ohio, and more. Thousands of people are likely spreading coronavirus at these protests under the guise of fighting for liberty. If one of these people have COVID-19, chances are they all do now. In Michigan, there were chants of “lock her up!” targeting Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

For Whitmer’s part, she is clearly not trying to take away people’s liberty, she’s trying to save lives. It’s really something to hear these hypocritical Trump supporters claim Whitmer is being “close to totalitarian” or trying to “rule” when they support an authoritarian president who abused his power for years and just falsely declared that his authority is “total” just this week.

President Trump explicitly incited his supporters to participate in these protests by saying that some governors have gotten carried away with their social distancing enforcement, specifically citing Michigan and Virginia. This is false. They are following CDC guidelines from his own administration.

When asked about his “LIBERATE” tweets, President Trump said some states are “doing too much” then rambled on about the 2nd Amendment in Virginia. When asked about the protests, Trump said they’re expressing their views and called them “very responsible people.” This isn’t a surprise, as we learned more this week about the Trump Campaign and Betsy DeVos-connected groups organizing these protests.

Does Trump not realize how self-defeating it is to incite mass COVID-19 protests among his base when everyone else is staying inside? Within days, we’re going to see reports about how people attending these protests are coming down with symptoms. Trump is harming his own voters and his administration’s ability to combat the spread of COVID-19. The vast majority of Americans oppose these protests and fear reopening the economy too early.

Taking a more broad view, these “protests” are the inevitable result of the intellectual devolution of the Republican Party. They denied science and gaslit their base into an alternate reality. But objective reality always comes knocking. COVID-19 doesn’t care if you yell MAGA while it’s infecting you. It will infect you nonetheless. Unfortunately, this will have consequences far beyond his base, as it puts more health workers at risk and any Americans in the path of these protests.

Let’s dive into another Unpresidented week.

Jump to

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Trump Claims Total Authority, Melts Down After Airing Propaganda Video

Day 1,180: Monday, April 13

President Donald J. Trump listens as a White House video plays a campaign-style ad trying to defend their failed COVID-19 response- Monday, April 13, 2020, in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Monday’s top stories:

CNN: Trump lashes out in grievance-filled briefing claiming ‘total’ authority as president
Vox: Trump’s latest coronavirus press briefing featured one of his most memorable meltdowns yet
NBC News: Fact check: Trump claims it’s his call on when to ‘reopen’ the country. He’s wrong.
CNN: Fact check: A list of false claims from Trump’s bitter coronavirus briefing
CNN: Governors on East and West coasts form pacts to decide when to reopen economies
The New York Times: He Could Have Seen What Was Coming: Behind Trump’s Failure on the Virus
The Washington Post: Bernie Sanders endorses Joe Biden: ‘We need you in the White House’
Politico: Liberal challenger wins Wisconsin court election marred by coronavirus
The Washington Post: Trump administration has many task forces — but still no plan for beating covid-19
Business Insider: Trump retweeted a threat to fire Fauci after he said the US’s slow response to COVID-19 has cost lives
The Daily Beast: Trump Spends Easter Asking Confidants: ‘What Do You Think of Fauci?’
Rantt Media: Calls To Prematurely Reopen The Economy Are Dead Wrong
NPR: Stock Trades After Coronavirus Briefing Complicate Loeffler’s Reelection Bid
CNN: Virginia governor makes Election Day a holiday and expands early voting
Rantt Media: What Is Hydroxychloroquine And Does It Really Work?
Bloomberg: France Reports Heart Incidents Linked to Drug Promoted by Trump
CNN: One of the largest pork processing facilities in the US is closing until further notice
Newsy: France Extends Coronavirus Lockdown Until Mid-May
The Guardian: Five months on, what scientists now know about the coronavirus
Reuters: South Korea reports more recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again

If You Need More Income During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Search For Jobs With Our Zip Recruiter Tool

Trump’s Blame Game Rhetoric Turns To Action

Day 1,181: Tuesday, April 14

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks and answers questions from members of the press Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in the James S. Brady White House Press Briefing Room. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)

Tuesday’s top stories:

NBC News: Trump says he is halting funding for the World Health Organization
The New York Times: Criticized for Pandemic Response, Trump Tries Shifting Blame to the W.H.O.
The Daily Beast: Trump’s WHO Funding Freeze Is a ‘Crime Against Humanity,’ Medical Experts Say
Business Insider: ‘The world needs WHO’: Bill Gates slammed Trump for halting the $400 million in US funding for the World Health Organisation in the middle of a pandemic
The Hill: Trump WHO cuts meet with furious blowback
Politico: Trump halt to WHO funding violates same law as Ukraine aid freeze, House Democrats say
Newsweek: NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo responds to Trump’s claim of absolute authority: “We don’t have a king”
NBC News: Trump backs down after Cuomo, governors unite on coronavirus response
NPR: States Unite On Reopening Economies: ‘Science — Not Politics — Will Guide’ Decisions
BuzzFeed News: Barack Obama Endorsed Joe Biden For President And Praised Bernie Sanders’ Campaign
AP Interview: Sanders says opposing Biden is ‘irresponsible’
CNN: 27 migrant children in government custody test positive for coronavirus
NBC News: As world set to reach 2 million coronavirus cases, leaders come under scrutiny
Politico: Coronavirus testing hits dramatic slowdown in U.S.
CNBC: Countries risk second wave of coronavirus infections by easing restrictions too early, says expert
NBC News: Antibody tests need to be in place for 2nd coronavirus wave, CDC director says
Rantt Media: Amid COVID-19, Trump Attempts To Rewrite History
The Washington Post: Coming to your $1,200 relief check: Donald J. Trump’s name
The Washington Post: More than 2,100 U.S. cities brace for budget shortfalls due to coronavirus, new survey finds, with many planning cuts and layoffs
Mother Jones: Republicans are trying to kick thousands of voters off the rolls during a pandemic
The Daily Beast: Fox News Anchor: ‘Conservatives’ Heads Would’ve Exploded’ if Obama Claimed ‘Total’ Authority
ProPublica: How Panic Buying Has Put an Incredible Strain on Food Banks Even As the Need for Them Explodes

Trump’s Threat To Adjourn Congress

Day 1,182: Wednesday, April 15

President Donald Trump, May 30, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Wednesday’s top stories:

NBC News: Trump threatens to adjourn Congress to make recess appointments
Rantt Media: What Are The Powers Of The President?
The Daily Beast: Trump’s WHO Funding Freeze Is a ‘Crime Against Humanity,’ Medical Experts Say
The New York Times: Elizabeth Warren Endorses Joe Biden: ‘When You Disagree, He’ll Listen’
NBC News: ‘Lock her up!’: Anti-Whitmer coronavirus lockdown protestors swarm Michigan Capitol
USA TODAY: Stimulus program for small business nearly depleted as Congress still negotiating a deal
Politico: White House snubs Azar, installs Trump loyalist Michael Caputo as HHS spokesperson
Business Insider: House Democrats introduce plan to pay Americans $2,000 a month until economy recovers from COVID-19
Rantt Media: COVID-19’s Bigotry Epicenters: Asian And Jewish Americans
CNN: Fact check: Trump denies saying another thing he said and makes more false claims at coronavirus briefing
The Daily Beast: Barr Pressed Australia for Help on Mueller Review as DOJ Worked to Free Its Hostages
ProPublica: There’s Been a Spike in People Dying at Home in Several Cities. That Suggests Coronavirus Deaths Are Higher Than Reported.
CNN: Prominent scientists have bad news for the White House about coronavirus antibody tests
CNN: GOP congressman says letting more Americans die of coronavirus is lesser of two evils compared to economy tanking
The Hill: Kelly expands lead over McSally in Arizona
AP: China didn’t warn public of likely pandemic for 6 key days
The Guardian: Jacinda Ardern and ministers take pay cut in solidarity with those hit by Covid-19

Calls To Re-Open The Economy Prematurely Increase

Day 1,183: Thursday, April 16

Fox News hosts and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) – April 11, 2020 (Source: Fox News)

Thursday’s top stories:

Trump Incites COVID-19 Protests

Day 1,184: Friday, April 17

This photo, from an Ohio protest demanding opening the economy, is everything (taken by Joshua A. Bickel for The Columbus Dispatch) pic.twitter.com/WlSHauMvjM

— Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp) April 15, 2020

Let’s be clear, he’s urging people to engage in behavior that will dramatically increase their odds of contracting the virus & dying. This conduct is plainly a “grossly negligent deviation from his duty of care” to the American people. That would be Negligent Homicide element 1. pic.twitter.com/QNgWUyydHh

— Glenn Kirschner (@glennkirschner2) April 17, 2020

Friday’s top stories:

Looks For Jobs

Unpresidented // Coronavirus / Donald Trump

by: Ahmed Baba

Ahmed Baba is the Co-Founder and President of Rantt. Writer of Unpresidented, Ahmed documented and analyzed every day of the Trump presidency. He's also a columnist at The Independent and his work has been cited in The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Rolling Stone, BuzzFeed, The New York Post, The Huffington Post, Yahoo News, Blavity, Newsweek, The Telegraph, and more. He can be reached at [email protected] or found on Twitter @AhmedBaba_.

All Articles