WASHINGTON — White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows acknowledged Sunday that the Trump administration does not expect to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control, even as infections surge across the United States and nearly 225,000 Americans have died.
"We're not going to control the pandemic," Meadows declared during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union.
The extraordinary admission comes just nine days before the presidential election and directly contradicts President Donald Trump's repeated claims that the country is turning the corner in its battle against COVID-19.
"Because It Is a Contagious Virus"
When CNN host Jake Tapper asked why the administration would not bring the pandemic under control, Meadows responded, "Because it is a contagious virus."
Meadows argued that the White House is concentrating on developing vaccines, treatments, and other measures to reduce deaths rather than relying primarily on restrictions intended to stop transmission.
He also insisted the administration is still making efforts to contain the virus, including encouraging social distancing and masks.
But the comments immediately raised questions about the administration's strategy at a time when public health officials are warning that the country faces a dangerous fall and winter.
America Records More Than 80,000 New Cases a Day
The United States has recorded more than 8.5 million coronavirus infections since the pandemic began.
On Friday and Saturday, the country reported more than 80,000 new infections each day, setting alarming records as hospitals in several states face growing pressure.
Meanwhile, Trump continues holding large campaign rallies, frequently attended by supporters who are not wearing masks or practicing social distancing.
The president himself was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month.
Outbreak Reaches Vice President's Office
Meadows' comments come as another coronavirus outbreak spreads through the White House.
At least five people connected to Vice President Mike Pence have tested positive, including his chief of staff, Marc Short.
Despite his exposure, Pence plans to continue campaigning. The White House argues that his responsibilities qualify him as an essential worker.
Pence also chairs the administration's coronavirus task force, making the decision particularly controversial.
Biden Campaign Condemns the Remarks
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's campaign sharply criticized Meadows' statements, arguing that the White House is effectively conceding defeat in its effort to contain the virus.
The administration maintains that vaccines and treatments offer the best path forward and rejects the suggestion that it has abandoned the fight against COVID-19.
But with infections climbing, hospitals under pressure, and hundreds of Americans dying every day, Meadows' admission underscores the growing divide between the administration's optimistic public messaging and the worsening national health emergency.
Nine days before Americans choose their next president, the White House chief of staff has publicly acknowledged that the administration does not expect to control the pandemic.