Ahead of RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel’s “virtual town hall” fundraiser in Connecticut today, Democratic National Committee spokesperson John Weber released the following statement:

“Nutmeggers aren’t interested in more empty rhetoric from Donald Trump’s Republican Party. For months, he downplayed the coronavirus pandemic, left health care workers without personal protective equipment, and failed to deliver desperately needed testing. Instead of sliding into Connecticut to raise money, McDaniel needs to answer for her boss’ repeated failures and broken promises.”

BACKGROUND ON TRUMP’S BROKEN PROMISES TO CONNECTICUT

Promise: “You’re going to look back in two years and four years and 20 years […] and you’re going to say that was the greatest vote I’ve ever cast. […] That’s when we won with health care.” [Trump Campaign Speech, Hartford CT, 4/15/16]

• Reality: After Trump spent weeks ignoring his own advisors and downplaying the coronavirus pandemic, the United States leads the world with more than one million cases and tens of thousands of deaths — including more than 2,700 Connecticut residents.

• 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 223,000 Connecticut residents and threatening protections for as many as 1.5 million residents with a preexisting condition.

Promise: “Every single country that does business with us — they rip us off left and right like we’re bunch of dummies. And you know what? It’s all going to change.” [Trump Campaign Speech, Bridgeport CT, 4/23/16]

• Reality: While experts warned of a coming pandemic, Trump took Chinese officials at their word, repeatedly praised the Chinese government and shipped nearly 18 tons of personal protective equipment to China.

Promise:  “Anybody that wants a test can get a test.” [CDC Headquarters, 3/6/20]

• Reality: Trump’s testing “strategy” would provide tests for just 2% of Connecticut residents.

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: Just weeks later, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the federal government would not be shipping any more equipment to Connecticut, noting that “we are on our own.”