A White House official called the Coronavirus the ‘Kung-Flu’ to CBS reporter Weijia Jiang.
On Twitter Jiang wrote, “this morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the “Kung-Flu” to my face. Makes me wonder what they’re calling it behind my back.”
Twitter users expressed their disgust in response.
“This is hideous. And it’s why it’s impossible to take this administration seriously or have any confidence whatsoever in them,” one person tweeted.
“I’m sorry you have to deal with their nastiness. Thanks for your reporting. Their sophomoric attempts to rename and deflect responsibility for a lack of preparation/effective response won’t work if we don’t let it,” another added.
“This rhetoric isn’t harmless, especially with hate crimes against our Asian global family members already on the rise,” said another.
Meanwhile, President Trump continues to call the Coronavirus the “Chinese virus” whilst Fox News called it the “Chinese Coronavirus”.
“I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the “borders” from China – against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!” Trump tweeted just hours ago.
When asked if calling the virus “Chinese” would create a stigma, Trump replied, “I don’t think so. I think saying that our military gave it to them creates a stigma.”
In related news, China divorce rates are spiking due to “couples spending too much time together in Coronavirus quarantine.”
This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the “Kung-Flu” to my face. Makes me wonder what they’re calling it behind my back.
— Weijia Jiang (@weijia) March 17, 2020
I’m sorry you have to deal with their nastiness. Thanks for your reporting. Their sophomoric attempts to rename and deflect responsibility for a lack of preparation/effective response won’t work if we don’t let it. https://t.co/I6ahqUeDBn
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 17, 2020
Racism is petty. It seeks to cultivate bigotry and prejudice and exert power even in times when human beings most need each other.
“Kung-Flu”
“China Virus”This rhetoric isn’t harmless, especially with hate crimes against our Asian global family members already on the rise. https://t.co/eYzsWXRI5h
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) March 17, 2020
This is vile and should be condemned by @realDonaldTrump immediately. https://t.co/sGDyYyZ2CL
— Rep. Harley Rouda (@RepHarley) March 17, 2020
I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the “borders” from China – against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
I will be having a news conference today to discuss very important news from the FDA concerning the Chinese Virus!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
