President Donald Trump has come under fire for his so-called "lack of response" to the coronavirus epidemic. Democrats have repeatedly attempted to knock the president for failing to take the epidemic seriously, even though the Trump administration put a halt on flights to and from China at the beginning of February. They also placed travel warnings on certain parts of Italy and South Korea. And anyone who traveled to Iran in the last 14 days is barred from entering the United States.
Washington State has been the epicenter of most of the cases in the United States, where 17 out of the 20 deaths have taken place.
Despite Democrats' attempt at placing blame on Trump, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee – a Democrat himself – praised the White House's efforts in the Evergreen State.
"Right now, I believe the agencies of the federal government are being very diligent in helping our state," Inslee explained on "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "They are restocking our stockpile of protective equipment and medical supplies. We've had hundreds of thousands of new pieces of supplies that have come in in the last couple of days. That has been very helpful."
Inslee has placed a large focus on urging cities and companies to cancel or postpone large gatherings, like the Emerald City Comic Con, but his administration is considering "stronger measures," CBS News reported.
"We are looking at extending what are voluntary decisions right now," he said. "We've asked a whole host of communities to consider whether you really need to have your events right now and they are being canceled."
Even though Inslee and Trump are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, the governor said his primary focus is on the health of Washingtonians.
"We're focusing on people's health, not on political gamesmanship right now," Inslee said.
Governor Jay Inslee on the coronavirus response from President Trump's administration:
— Francis Brennan (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@FrancisBrennan) March 8, 2020
"I believe the agencies of the federal government are being very diligent in helping our state." pic.twitter.com/UBb3AgvpmY