SECONDNEXUS
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As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the United States and millions face unemployment as businesses across the country shut their doors, President Donald Trump was given a chance to calm Americans at a Friday press conference when NBC reporter Peter Alexander asked what his message was to Americans who were scared.
Trump responded by calling Alexander a "terrible reporter" and said his question was "nasty."
Journalists and other everyday Americans considered it a softball question. All Trump had to do was tell Americans to stay calm, follow health official guidelines, and trust that lawmakers were working hard to keep them safe.
After Trump's outburst, his supporters scrambled to justify it by painting Alexander's question as malicious—a deep state tactic designed to entrap Trump.
One of those supporters was Donald Trump Jr., the President's eldest son, who posted this tweet.
Can someone tell me how Peter Alexander’s question/statement and the media’s self-obsessed reaction to it helps sto… https://t.co/gkjrUjviFc— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1584733544.0
Junior asked someone to tell him how a reporter asking the President to reassure scared Americans during a crisis could possibly reduce the virus's spread.
People were quick with their answers.
Calming fear keeps people from panic buying, for one example. This is common sense for non-sociopaths. https://t.co/Px5SVlPVSU— Madame Satan Says Vote 4 Joe or U Want Poors 2 Die (@Madame Satan Says Vote 4 Joe or U Want Poors 2 Die) 1584741043.0
Jesus. This is stupid. Even by DJTJ standards. For starters - a calm, reassured public can make rational decision… https://t.co/uP7nick7iU— Geoffrey Hickey (@Geoffrey Hickey) 1584736844.0
America is scared and looking for comfort. Those without empathy just don't get it. https://t.co/RHqp1MCI9t— OverRunByDogs (@OverRunByDogs) 1584739418.0
That's your father's job, Squirt. https://t.co/2HgUJLtfra— Largent DiMaio (@Largent DiMaio) 1584739454.0
@DonaldJTrumpJr You still haven't told us how calling it "Chinese Virus" helps stop the spread of Coronavirus.— Chidi®️ (@Chidi®️) 1584733800.0
But they had questions of their own as well.
Can someone tell me how you and your self-obsessed family are not also a virus that's spreading? https://t.co/QdDDK6XPOi— Rex Huppke (@Rex Huppke) 1584736178.0
Why did your father dismantle his predecessor's pandemic response team? Can you answer that? https://t.co/l5Lu1walTU— Wakandan Establishment Shill (@Wakandan Establishment Shill) 1584742387.0
Can you tell us how daddy's answer helps stop the spread of it? https://t.co/wwS7We9rOJ— Ray Bosworth (@Ray Bosworth) 1584739886.0
Minutes after Trump's tantrum, Alexander asked Vice President Mike Pence the same question. Pence advised Americans to respond to fear with vigilance and to follow health professionals' guidelines.
It was really that easy.
In response to the President's hysterics, #TrumpMeltdown began trending on Twitter.
Feeling assured, America?