The growing health crisis faced by the United States continues to worsen as cases of the highly contagious virus grow by the day.
Countless churches, schools, restaurants, and other businesses across the country have shut their doors to slow its spread.
As a result, millions of people have found themselves unemployed and the markets have plummeted. With the economy a crucial talking point in favor of his reelection, President Donald Trump and his administration have indicated an eagerness to scale back social distancing measures designed to protect the public and save millions of lives.
In lieu of his daily briefings regarding the virus, Trump held a virtual town hall on Fox News Tuesday afternoon, where he took questions from viewers.
In one of his answers, the President said he'd like to have the United States back up and running by Easter—a little over two weeks away—on April 12.
Watch below.
Watch: President @realDonaldTrump tells Fox News Town Hall he would “love to have the country back up and running… https://t.co/4EhSjvjixG— TV News HQ (@TV News HQ) 1585072428.0
Trump said:
"I'd love to have it open by Easter. I would love to have it open by Easter...It's such an important day for other reasons, but I'll make it an important day for this too. I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter."
After a stunned reaction from Fox News host Harris Faulkner, her colleague Bill Hemmer said:
"That would be a great American resurrection."
For those unfamiliar, Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion.
Despite Hemmer singing the praises of Trump's goal, medical experts have stressed that the 15 day period of isolation touted by the Trump administration isn't enough to slow the spread of the virus, and that the consequences of a premature rollback could be detrimental to both society and the economy.
People didn't agree that the move would lead to a resurrection.
It will only be a great resurrection if they can find a way to raise thousands of coronavirus victims from the dead. https://t.co/SiKcX3LKFf— emigre80 (@emigre80) 1585073975.0
Not a single followup question from Fox that I heard about this extraordinary comment by Trump, at odds with his ow… https://t.co/rsHJOwp4xT— Susan Glasser (@Susan Glasser) 1585071772.0
Jesus wept. https://t.co/HxkYRpT171— Janice Hough (@Janice Hough) 1585071463.0
Anybody else see how grossly idolatrous it is to talk about an “American resurrection” on Easter, especially when i… https://t.co/aQ0C5a1r3X— Geoff Davidson (@Geoff Davidson) 1585072905.0
It's important to note that the Trump administration has taken little federal action to promote social distancing. The measures have largely been implemented by governors and mayors across the country. It's unclear whether or not most of them would acquiesce to Trump's calls to scale back cautionary measures or if they'd listen to medical experts.
People continued to point out that medical experts are warning against the decision.
Trump is asked, can we really get back to normal by Easter? Trump: "I think it's possible. Why isn't it? We've nev… https://t.co/UvMr2wFC8P— David Corn (@David Corn) 1585072043.0
Folks, do NOT listen to trump. He will get you KILLED. DO: listen to Dr. Fauci. DO: listen to your Governor. DO: l… https://t.co/ZF2wnGLCZU— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@BrooklynDad_Defiant!) 1585028851.0
The idiotic thing about Trump's decision to ignore expert advice due to consequences to his economy is that it'll s… https://t.co/xZoKqYtBN2— Anthony Pesec (@Anthony Pesec) 1585076736.0
Where is Dr.Fauci ? How did we go from let’s flatten the curve to “Hey we’re ready to get back to work by Easter” N… https://t.co/ZmYW2CAXB0— Eric L. Mitchell (@Eric L. Mitchell) 1585074893.0
The curve isn't expected to reach its peak for another two or so weeks—likely around Easter. The worst is yet to come.