But worse than just a logistics failure, recent reports suggest that Trump may again be abusing his public office for private gain. Last week, details emerged that some states, such as Florida, had received everything they requested from the federal government, while other states, such as Michigan and Louisiana, received only a fraction of the requested supplies. Florida has a Republican governor who is vocally supportive of Trump, while the governors of Michigan and Louisiana are Democrats who have been critical of Trump’s coronavirus response. This week, Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and adviser, sparked outrage when he suggested that federal resources belonged to Trump and his administration, rather than to the public: “The notion of the federal stockpile was it’s supposed to be our stockpile. It’s not supposed to be states’ stockpiles that they then use.” The administration then proceeded to alter the webpage on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website to reflect Kushner’s new inaccurate description a day after his remarks, and the president himself has implied, repeatedly, that federal support depends on how well he perceives himself to be treated by governors. “It’s a two-way street,” he said last week. “They have to treat us well.” Federal officials have said this aid is being solely distributed on the basis of need, but they have not demonstrated any transparency in their process.
The politicization of aid has dangerous implications
There are multiple problems with the Trump administration’s decision to politicize aid, particularly during a pandemic. Continue reading.