DNC Communications Director Xochitl Hinojosa released the following statement on Donald Trump refusing to put the health and well-being of the people of North Carolina first, and instead, abandoning the state for the Republican National Convention:

“Over 100,000 people have died, tens of millions are unemployed, and our country is facing civil unrest. And yet, Donald Trump is more concerned about holding a massive party for himself than leading our nation through crisis. He has abandoned the people of North Carolina while refusing to acknowledge the severity of this pandemic. Trump was warned about coronavirus in early January, but he did virtually nothing to mitigate it. He laughed off health experts and shirked his duty to protect Americans’ lives. Now his ego and incompetence are responsible for thousands of deaths. Our country is hurting. We need a leader with empathy and experience, courage and compassion. We need a president who will listen, show up, and take bold action to improve people’s lives. Donald Trump has proven he is not that leader. That’s why the American people will send Joe Biden back to the White House in November. Unlike Republicans, Democrats will continue to listen to health experts, follow science, and prioritize the health and safety of the American people.”