Trump messaging split over politics, public health

AP Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace says as reported U.S. deaths from COVID-19 reaches a staggering 100,000 the messaging of the Trump White House is split between the political messaging of getting reelected versus the public health message of staying safe.

"Certainly, you have public health officials who are advising the president, who are pretty cautious about the reopenings, really emphasizing that this needs to be done in a slow and methodical way," Pace says.

"The messaging, though, from the president himself and most of his political advisers is very different."

The president urged those who crowded pools and boardwalks over the Memorial Day weekend to remain safe.

But he also maintained, without explanation, that he “can absolutely” force governors to allow churches and other houses of worship across the country to reopen

Pace says Trump had expected to be campaigning on a strong economy in 2020, but the pandemic has become the dominant storyline and promises to dominate the news for the forseeable future.

"That is a factor in how they are trying to muddle their way through this," Pace says.

"A lot of the messaging now focuses on give me a chance to get that economy back."