it's been months since Americans heard from Dr. Deborah Birx or from the White House virus task force as a whole.
The once-daily briefings have been virtually abandoned despite nationwide spikes of the virus, but Birx is still in correspondence with governors across the country, and in recent recommendations, she contradicted statements made by President Donald Trump.
At a sparsely-attended "comeback" rally, the President made the shocking assertion that he'd told officials to slow the testing down, emphasizing that testing is a "double edged sword" because increased testing means more documented cases, which make the President look bad.
The White House insisted that the President's comments were "in jest," only for the President to say he wasn't. Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the most trusted members of the virus task force, said that Trump never asked him to slow down the testing and he didn't think Trump asked anyone else to either.
While Trump has frequently spoken out against expanded testing, calling it "overrated," Dr. Birx said quite the opposite in a call to governors.
According to the Daily Beast, Dr. Birx said in the call to governors:
"Hopefully I have left you with the impression that increased testing is good. We would like to even see it even more. Identifying cases early including your asymptomatic [ones] will really help us protect the elderly and the additional people with comorbidities."
She reiterated the importance of expanded testing, emphasizing its role in identifying asymptomatic carriers of the virus and preventing them from spreading it unknowingly.
People noticed the opposition.
Shorter: “Don't listen to trump."
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) June 23, 2020
Be a hero. Speak up more Dr Birx.
— Bonita Rose (@bonitarosekemp) June 23, 2020
This too confusing. Do we believe @realDonaldTrump or Drs Fauci and Brix?
Need some leadership up in DC.
What. A. Mess. pic.twitter.com/KZfRshSodq
— David MeltING Down (@DavidMe54809981) June 23, 2020
Some think Birx's standard recommendation for expanded testing will be enough to get her fired.
Oh no. She's going to get fired
— GT JamesATL (@gt4980b) June 23, 2020
Exiting the administration in three, two,....
— Average Joseph (@avg_joseph) June 23, 2020
Won't be surprised if Brix and Fauci get canned. Trump isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.
— colleen ramirez (@colleen_ramirez) June 23, 2020
Perhaps it's time for Birx and Fauci to resign in protest. Or maybe they'll get fired first.
— Scott Ellner 🐾 (@imscotte1) June 23, 2020
People are largely dissatisfied with the President's handling of the virus.
Clown show during a pandemic. No leadership in this country.
— Survivingnsweatpants (@Mominsweats) June 23, 2020
Remember when people said what harm could come from having Trump as president? 122,000 people are unable to answer.
— Frank Rice (@vDeadManWalking) June 23, 2020
so we have a President in name only
— Lord Longbeard (@js7976) June 23, 2020
The President is speaking at a youth event in Arizona today. Thousands are expected to pack into the indoor space in a state that's seen record high new cases of the virus.
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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images