Ahead of Donald Trump, Jr.’s fundraiser in Stanley, Idaho today, Democratic National Committee spokesperson John Weber released the following statement:

“Idahoans need competent leadership in the Oval Office — they don’t need Don Jr. parachuting in for a high-dollar fundraiser. Donald Trump promised in January that the virus was ‘totally under control,’ but we have spent the better part of a year living through a national emergency that has killed hundreds of Idahoans and infected tens of thousands more across the state. Trump knew how dangerous this virus was, but he lied to protect his own political interests. Working families can’t afford four more years of that kind of failed, chaotic leadership.”

BACKGROUND ON TRUMP’S FAILED PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Promise: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. We have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.” [CNBC Interview, 1/22/20]

Reality: After Trump wasted time ignoring his own advisors and downplaying the coronavirus pandemic, the United States leads the world with over 6.5 million cases and more than 190,000 deaths. In Idaho alone, tens of thousands of people have tested positive for COVID-19, and hundreds have died.

Promise: “We are marshalling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people.” [Oval Office Address, 3/11/20]

Reality: Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Trump and the Republican Party are attempting to overturn the Affordable Care Act — endangering health coverage for 79,000 Idahoans and threatening protections for more than 660,000 Idahoans with preexisting conditions.

Reality: Even as experts warned of a coming pandemic, Trump sent record shipments of N95 masks overseas. And as the virus spread, Trump’s testing “strategy” only aimed to provide tests for 2% of Idahoans.