Trump: Taxpayer-funded postcards smell fishy

Two weeks ago, 130 million postcards started going out to American households listing the coronavirus guidelines to reduce one’s risk.

It is hard to imagine any functioning person in the U.S. not knowing by now about social distancing, not hugging the elderly and washing hands. But OK, some might not. For example, the homeless who have no mailing address.

One might expect these postcards to have come from the CDC where scientists developed these guidelines or from Vice President Mike Pence who chairs the coronavirus task force.

Nope, they came as “PRESIDENT TRUMP’S CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES FOR AMERICA” in large, bold black letters on white, underscored by a blue wedge.

They greatly resembled a typical incumbent’s campaign mailing but without the usual disclaimer, “Not paid for at taxpayer expense.” Because they were.

This is the same president who has repeatedly accused Democrats of politicizing the coronavirus situation and who until recently wanted to ease the guidelines by April 12.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 1:55 PM with the headline "Trump: Taxpayer-funded postcards smell fishy."