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White House Science Department Declares Pandemic Over in Questionable Press Release

White House Science Department Declares Pandemic Over in Questionable Press Release
Joshua Roberts/Getty Images

The White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by Congress in 1976 to provide the Executive Office of the President with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of governing the United States.

But some now say the OSTP has added a new function—the creation and distribution of presidential propaganda.

There's one bit of information coming from the office that drew particular attention and ire. In an OSTP press release created to highlight the accomplishments of President Donald Trump, the scientific advisory board listed:

"ENDING THE ... PANDEMIC."

The boast echoed false claims made by Trump that the country is "turning the corner" on the worst of the pandemic. The Trump campaign continues to hold crowded rallies with thousands of supporters while mocking Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for adhering to safety measures recommended by Trump's own officials.

In reality, over 200 thousand Americans are dead, hospitalizations are spiking, and new cases recently hit a single day high.

Though the President and his allies may not acknowledge it, the pandemic is not over.

Twitter users were in disbelief at the bold, false claim.






Some drafted metaphors to convey the statement's absurdity.



White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah said the claim was "poorly worded" and that the "intent was to say that it is our goal to end the virus." Meanwhile, Trump campaign press secretary Hogan Gidley said he wouldn't "quibble over semantics," but that the country is "moving in the right direction."