In a startling revelation at a recent political rally, former US President Donald Trump claimed he explicitly advised federal health officials to deliberately slow down COVID-19 testing to reduce the number of recorded cases.
The controversial comments were made during a speech in Washington, where Trump revisited his often-criticised approach to pandemic management. According to the former president, he told the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to delay testing processes, arguing it would make case numbers appear less severe.
'Don't Be So Eager with Testing'
"I said, 'Slow the testing down, please'," Trump told supporters, repeating a claim he first made during the height of the pandemic. The remarks have reignited debates about political interference in public health matters during his administration.
Trump's latest comments come as he continues to defend his pandemic response while campaigning for potential political office. The former president also made unexpected claims about COVID-19 vaccines, suggesting they might be responsible for unspecified health issues.
Vaccine Comments Spark Concern
During the same speech, Trump made ambiguous statements about vaccine safety, telling the audience "something's happening" without providing scientific evidence. These remarks have drawn concern from medical experts who emphasise the well-established safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines.
The former president's relationship with scientific authorities has been contentious throughout the pandemic. His latest assertions about the FDA appear to confirm previous suspicions about political pressure on health agencies during his term.
Broader Political Context
These revelations emerge as Trump maintains significant influence within the Republican party. His comments about pandemic management are likely to feature prominently in future political debates, particularly regarding the balance between public health and economic considerations.
Medical professionals have consistently warned that delaying testing undermines effective pandemic response, allowing viruses to spread undetected. Trump's admitted approach contrasts sharply with current public health recommendations from organisations worldwide.
