Melania Trump slammed for expressing condolences for Italian coronavirus deaths but ignoring casualties in US
While Italy was leading the global chart in the number of coronavirus cases for some times, it has been weeks since it was replaced by the United States. This fact became a point of mockery when first lady Melania Trump tweeted on Wednesday that she had contacted her Italian counterpart to offer her condolences for those who have died in the pandemic in the European country.
"Spoke today w/ Mrs. Laura Mattarella of Italy. I extended my deepest condolences for the Italians who have lost their lives to #COVID19. Hopeful that positive trend will continue in Italy & other parts of world soon," she tweeted.
While the tweet might have been in good faith, her social media post was flooded with angry comments from US citizens, who urged her to focus on her own nation's plight in these trying times rather than praying for other countries. Here are a few of the negative reactions from people:
"Unless you meant to congratulate Italians on the positive trend of them losing their lives to Covid-19, you really need to get someone to proofread your tweets."
"And yet you haven’t yet expressed condolences for Americans who have died...sick!"
"Our country has WAY passed Italy on this curve, darling, thanks to the ignorance and inaction of your 'husband'"
"Have you done anything for Americans who are dying?"
"Have you done anything for the healthcare workers who are sleeping in their cars so that they don't infect their families?"
At the time of writing, coronavirus cases in the US stood at 4,34,861, while in Italy it was 1,39,422.
It seems like the first lady is on a phone-calling spree as she also called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wife, Akie Abe, too on the same day. She also released a number of PSAs, one of which urged citizens to use face coverings when they go out in public, as per the new CDC guidelines.
"As the CDC continues to study the spread of the COVID-19, they recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain. Remember, this does not replace the importance of social distancing," the caption to the PSA read.
This was not the first time that she endorsed the wearing of face masks. On April 4, just hours after Trump told reporters during the coronavirus task force press briefing that he had no intention of complying with the "voluntary" mask measure introduced by the CDC, the FLOTUS tweeted: "As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing & wearing a mask/face covering seriously. #COVID19 is a virus that can spread to anyone - we can stop this together."
At the press briefing, Trump said: "The CDC is recommending Americans wear a basic cloth or fabric mask. This is voluntary. I don't think I am going to be doing it ... You can do it. You don't have to it ... It may be good ... It's only a recommendation...Voluntary."
After being pressed on why the he will not follow his own experts' advice, he said, "From recent studies, we know that the transmission from individuals without symptoms is playing a more significant role in the spread of the virus than previously understood. I just don't want to do it myself. Sitting in the Oval Office ... I somehow don't see it for myself."