John Oliver attacked President Trump’s response to the coronavirus crisis Sunday night, reports HuffPost. The Last Week Tonight host’s most biting remarks criticized the poor communication between the president and his senior officials.
“Trust in institutions is critical when trying to contain a possible pandemic, and unfortunately, that brings us to the United States’ response to this virus, and specifically, to this guy,” said Oliver, pointing to a photo of Trump.
“The White House’s messaging has been all over the place this week,” Oliver continued. He went on to criticize the disconnect in messaging between a Trump official and the Centers for Disease Control. On a similar note, he highlighted the importance of informing the public accurately during a public health emergency.
Among the Last Week Tonight host’s main discussion points was his criticism of Trump’s decision to place Vice President Pence in charge of containing the disease. Oliver stated that public health professionals, not politicians, should take the lead in the event of a pandemic.
Oliver also poked fun at Americans’ ignorance regarding the spread of the coronavirus. “No! No you can’t! Of course you can’t get the coronavirus from eating Chinese food,” said Oliver in response to a Fox News segment. He also mocked the rumor that individuals could protect themselves against contracting the coronavirus by gargling bleach.
In addition to jokes, Oliver’s segment on the coronavirus included information on the disease’s symptoms and mortality rate. He also discussed the origins and recent cases of the disease.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver airs Sundays at 11 p.m. ET on HBO.