Though it has thrown the nation into chaos, the fact that Donald Trump has contracted the coronavirus should not be especially surprising—after all, he has been careless about measures to control the virus, and protect his own health, for months. Nor should it come as a surprise that the White House is offering partial, misleading, and contradictory information. That has been a reliable theme of the Trump presidency.
What does still shock is the recklessness with which Trump treated the health and lives of those closest to him. Despite being potentially exposed to a virus he described in February as “deadly stuff,” the president apparently took no measures to protect his political advisers, aides, and donors, and largely left them in the dark once he had tested positive.
Wrong, Atlantic. That’s not even remotely shocking. He has never indicated that he gives a rat’s ass about anyone but himself.
At every turn, it has been possible for some of Trump’s supporters to comfort themselves: Well, yes, he’s disdainful of some people who back him; I am one of the chosen few whom he truly respects . The reckless disregard the president has shown even for his closest aides and donors this week should dispel that impression. It doesn’t matter how close with the president you are—there should be no expectation that he will make any effort to protect you from a deadly disease, or that this administration will act to inform you or help you if you’ve been exposed. After this week, why would anyone believe that Trump has their best interests at heart?
Ask those suckers and losers who are gathered outside the hospital hoping to catch a glimpse of Dear Leader.