Trump DOI Downplayed Coronavirus -- Then Praised His ‘Decisive’ Response

"Interior Secretary David Bernhardt Friday tweeted a video of President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency and lauded his boss for taking “decisive — even unprecedented — actions to protect the American people” from the coronavirus.

But just two days earlier, Bernhardt’s office had sent talking points to Interior officials that downplayed the virus threat.

“While the situation could change rapidly, the threat to the American public today remains low ... Americans don’t need to change their day-to-day lives but should stay informed and practice good hygiene,” stated the two-page memo, which was obtained by The Times."

Bettina Boxall and Anna M. Phillips report for the Los Angeles Times March 13, 2020.