While expressing sympathy for the President and First Lady after news of their COVID-19 diagnoses, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf took Mr. Trump to task for holding large rallies where many supporters did not wear masks or social distance.
“I do wish Donald Trump and his wife safe healing,” Schaaf said. “Anyone who is suffering from this disease deserves our sympathy.”
But Mayor Schaaf - a frequent critic of President Trump and his policies – says it is not surprising that the President’s “lackadaisical attitude” towards the pandemic has come back to impact him and his family.
“It does not surprise me that the organizer of super spreader rallies has contracted this disease. And I do hope that it sends a clear message to the American people that this is not a hoax, that science is correct.”
She added that the rallies have set a terrible example to the American people and contradicts a leader’s responsibility to the community they serve. Her comments came before news broke that the President would be hospitalized as a precautionary measure.
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Meanwhile on the streets of the East Bay, many in the community said they hoped the President and First Lady would recover soon.
“(It’s) horrible for him and everyone around him” said Matt Salcedo, who knows from experience just how serious the virus can be.
Salcedo’s aunt died from COVID-19 in July, and he says the President’s lack of leadership during the pandemic contributed to her death.
“I actually blame him partially for it, because there’s no consistent national protocol. Everything was staggered in terms of precautionary measures.”
He believes a stronger national strategy is essential to overcoming the pandemic.
Mayor Schaaf says the president’s illness is a reminder to everyone to continue taking precautions, especially wearing masks and social distancing.