Coronavirus: Trump considers clamping down on air travel but opposes nationwide stay-at-home order
President changes stance on flight restrictions five times in brief answer as White House scrambles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump announced he is considering clamping down on domestic air travel – especially flights between cities hit hardest by coronavirus – but he made clear he opposes issuing a national stay-at-home order amid the pandemic outbreak.
The president said he and his administration are "thinking about doing that" and "looking at hotspots" when asked if he might order flights from cities like New York City and Detroit, which have large numbers of coronavirus cases.
Still, he did appear hesitant, saying: "To start these airlines again is very tough."
But, as always, he left himself ample wiggle room, saying "I'm certainly looking at it."
As he often does, Mr Trump toggled back-and-forth between his options on live national television during one of the daily Covid-19 briefings he has bragged gets large ratings.
"But once you do that, you're really clamping down an industry that's desperately needed," he said of the American airline sector.
The vacillations, however, continued when the president went back to saying he is "very strongly" considering it.
Asked about potential health care system changes to help the uninsured pay for possible Covid-19 treatments, Mr Trump teased Vice President Mike Pence for talking "for five minutes" without "touching" a reporter's question. He then told that journalist his administration is "looking at it."
Frequently during the outbreak, the president or one of his senior aides has said they are examining an option when it is raised by a reporter, lawmaker or public health expert.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments