Rep. Maxine Waters derided President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in a string of tweets on Monday, March 30.
The California Democrat criticized Trump for several reasons including dismantling the National Security Council’s pandemic team and his reluctance to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA).
“Trump, since you destroyed the WH unit designed to plan for pandemics like #COVID19, you need to stop being duplicitous about the DPA & get more corps to develop masks, respirators, & everything needed to protect hospital workers trying to save lives,” she wrote. “Get your act together!”
The DPA allows the federal government to require private companies to use their resources to manufacture items to be used during a national emergency. Trump had previously deemed it unnecessary because companies were stepping up, reported CBS.
Waters also blasted Trump for his “improper” self-congratulatory behavior as the country grapples with the virus outbreak. She referred to him as a “failure” because he “mishandled” the situation.
“When you’re doing a good job, you will be commended. When you have to congratulate yourself it’s b/c of incompetence & insecurity. No one values hubris. A lesson you should’ve learned long ago,” she wrote.
The 81-year-old Waters added, “You’re not knowledgeable & you don’t know more than experts & generals. Your ignorance & incompetence are appalling & you continue to demonstrate that every time you open your mouth!”
Waters also criticized Trump for insulting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. The president referred to Whitmer as “the woman in Michigan” and complained about her critiques of the federal government.
“I tell him — I mean I’m a different type of person — I say, ‘Mike, don’t call the governor in Washington, you’re wasting your time with him. Don’t call the woman in Michigan,’ ” Trump said during a press briefing on Friday. “If they don’t treat you right, I don’t call.”
Waters considered Trump’s comments toward Whitmer an attack on all women.
“The governor you called ‘that woman,’ is what you think of ALL women, period!” Waters said. “We women are all ‘that woman!’ We are mothers & working professionals; we’re doctors & lawyers; & we’re elected officials, even governors, & you will show us the respect we deserve!”
Trump’s decision to expand the social distancing order to April 30 after repeatedly saying he wanted the country back to normal by Easter also enraged Waters.
“Another correction b/c of your ignorant hunches. You said we’d be safe by Easter!” Waters stated. “Experts always have to clean up after your ‘hunches.’ Keep your hunches 2 yourself & don’t waste experts’ time correcting your stupidity!”
She ended the thread with a condemnation of Trump’s decision to send personal protective equipment to China while downplaying the spread of the virus in the United States.
“Trump, you incompetent idiot! You sent 18 tons of PPE to China early but ignored warnings & called COVID19 concerns a hoax,” Waters concluded. “You’ve endangered doctors, nurses, aids, orderlies, & janitors – all risking their lives to save ours. Pray 4 forgiveness for the harm that you’re causing!”
Many were thankful for Waters’ blunt assessment of the Trump administration.
“Please get out to vote this November!” tweeted one supporter. “I’m not all into politics but this orange d—head has to go! @RepMaxineWaters please continue to drag his ass!!”
” Auntie Maxine is NOT having any more of Trump’s nonsense. She’s going IN, and I’m so here for it!” observed another.
” Uh oh! Looks like Auntie Maxine has had enough of the schemes and shenanigans of #DerangedDonald. She’s firing on all cylinders today. Go get the bad man Mama,” said another tweet.
