In a broadcast exclusive, President Donald Trump tells Gray Television Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro he’s ready to step in to provide another stimulus to Americans struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The plague came in, and it’s not the people’s fault. So, we want to take care of them,” said Trump.
The president said he wants to extend the $600 weekly benefit to unemployed Americans.
Trump maintained “the country is doing very well” in the battle against coronavirus. He encouraged Americans to continue to social distance, wash hands, and wear masks.
Policastro asked the president about his public criticism of top doctors on the White House Coronavirus Task Force. He responded with a pivot to the international struggle with the virus and the rebound of hard-hit states in the U.S.
When pressed about the spread across the country, Trump responded, “Well, I think you’re going to have it for a little while. We’re having vaccines made at a record level. I think we’re going to be very successful with the vaccines.”
Trump said our military will help deliver a vaccine once approved. Older Americans and people with medical conditions will receive the first approved vaccines.
“We’re going to be very judicious. We’re going to be smart about it,” Trump said.
Policastro and Trump also discussed the partisan battle over mail-in-voting and the plans for a march on Washington on the anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech.