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Trump Seeks to Block Billions in Federal Funds for Testing as He Continues to Downplay Virus

HeadlineJul 20, 2020

President Trump is reportedly trying to block billions of dollars for testing and contact tracing as part of an upcoming coronavirus relief bill, as well as funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pentagon and State Department. On Friday, Democrats from the House Education and Labor Committee said the White House blocked CDC Director Robert Redfield from testifying before Congress on the issue of schools reopening in the fall.

Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Trump again claimed the virus will “disappear,” and repeated the false argument that surging cases were simply a reflection of increased testing. This is Trump speaking to Chris Wallace.

President Donald Trump: “We have embers, and we do have flames. Florida became more flame-like, but it’s — it’s going to be under control.”

During his interview, Trump also called Dr. Fauci “a little bit of an alarmist” and refused to say whether he would accept the results of November’s election if Joe Biden wins.

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