The health crisis in the United States continues to worsen in the face of the global pandemic, passing the 100,000 mark of confirmed virus cases—just days after earning the grim distinction of having more cases than any other country in the world.
Due to a dire shortage of lifesaving medical equipment, governors across the country are imploring the federal government to invoke its powers to compel private companies to manufacture more equipment and oversee distribution of what's already available.
Governors have grown increasingly frustrated with the administration's reluctance to do so, and as a result, many have publicly called on Trump and the White House to deliver more assistance to the states, only for the President to attack them on Twitter repeatedly.
In a Friday press conference briefing the nation on the virus, Trump was asked what more he wanted these governors to do before the federal government would step in. Trump lamented that they weren't "appreciative" enough.
Trump then admitted that he told Vice President Mike Pence—whom he appointed as the response director for the pandemic—not to reach out to governors with whom the administration found itself at odds.
Watch below.
Trump said:
"I'm a different type of person. I say, Mike, don't call the governor of Washington; you're wasting your time with him. Don't call the woman in Michigan. It doesn't make any difference. You know what I say? If they don't treat you right, don't call. He's a different type of person. He'll call anyway. He should be appreciated for the job he's done."
Trump singled out Washington Governor Jay Inslee, calling him a failed presidential candidate. Washington state was one of the hardest hit places in the country at the beginning of the outbreak.
He also singled out Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer—with whom he's exchanged barbs before—as "the woman in Michigan." In an interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity the night before, Trump criticized the "young woman governor" for what he believed to be ineptitude.
Both Governors took significant measures at the beginning of their states' outbreaks to curb the virus.
They also both responded to Friday's attacks by Trump, and acted significantly more presidential than the actual President.
People pointed out that, as President, Trump is supposed to serve all states—even those headed by the ones who criticize him.
It confirmed what many already knew about Trump's character.
Trump's vindictiveness is nothing new.
For more insight into his leadership—or lack thereof—check out A Very Stable Genius, available here.
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