Trump says US topping world coronavirus cases is 'badge of honour'

May 20, 2020 16:27

President Donald Trump has said it is a "badge of honour" for America to "lead" the world with 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases since it means the US is testing more people for the disease that has killed over 300,000 people across the world. The US has 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases and over 91,000 deaths, both the world's highest.

"I look at that as, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better," he said on Tuesday at the White House as he hosted his first Cabinet meeting since the COVID-19 outbreak began. "By the way," he told reporters, "you know when you say that we lead in cases, that's because we have more testing than anybody else." "So when we have a lot of cases," he continued, "I don't look at that as a bad thing, I look at that as, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better."

He added: "So I view it as a badge of honour. Really, it's a badge of honour. Trump was responding to a question about whether he was considering a travel ban on Latin America, Brazil in particular. "It's a great tribute to the testing and all of the work that a lot of professionals have done," the president said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a federal agency, the US had conducted 12.6 million coronavirus tests by Tuesday. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Sandeep Sharma Takes 200th T20 Wicket!

Rajasthan seamers did well to keep LSG down to under 200 before Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel guided the team home.

Who Is Rasikh Salam Dar?

Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as Delhi Capitals' hero with the ball, with excellent figures of 3/34.

Death bowling of yorkers is not seen often: Klusener

Lucknow Super Giants assistant coach Lance Klusener placed the quicker evolution of batters as the reason behind the frequent tall team totals in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Fresh gunfight breaks out between 2 groups in Manipur

The incident took place as several dozens of armed men opened indiscriminate fire on Koutruk village in the periphery of Imphal Valley from the adjoining hills in Kangpokpi district, a police officer said.

Has Sanju Samson Booked His T20 WC Slot?

Which batter stole the show in Lucknow? VOTE!