Comedian Kathy Griffin is tearing into President Donald Trump after she was denied a coronavirus test despite having symptoms of the illness.
Griffin took to Twitter on Wednesday in response to Trump’s tweet about the improved testing capacity in the United States.
The famed comedian accused the president of lying about the coronavirus tests being conducted.
She tweeted, “He’s lying. I was sent to the [COVID19] isolation wardroom in a major hospital ER from a separate urgent care facility after showing UNBEARABLY PAINFUL symptoms. The hospital couldn’t test me for [coronavirus] because of CDC (Pence task force) restrictions.”
He’s lying. I was sent to the #COVID19 isolation ward room in a major hospital ER from a separate urgent care facility after showing UNBEARABLY PAINFUL symptoms. The hospital couldn’t test me for #coronavirus because of CDC (Pence task force) restrictions. #TESTTESTTEST https://t.co/18fRiOBsdN pic.twitter.com/0sU9fHu4r0
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 25, 2020
Griffin’s tweet came just hours after Trump took to Twitter to boast about the United States’ testing capacity.
The president claims reports suggest the current testing capacity over the last eight days equates to more than the number of tests conducted in South Korea in the last eight weeks.
Trump’s tweet read, “Just reported that the United States has done far more ‘testing’ than any other nation, by far! In fact, over an eight-day span, the United States now does more testing than what South Korea (which has been a very successful tester) does over an eight-week span. Great job!”
Just reported that the United States has done far more “testing” than any other nation, by far! In fact, over an eight day span, the United States now does more testing than what South Korea (which has been a very successful tester) does over an eight week span. Great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2020
Over the last few weeks, many people have expressed concerns about the availability of coronavirus tests.
Ironically, some of the complaints have been focused on concerns about celebrities and wealthy individuals receiving access to testing.
In fact, during a recent coronavirus press briefing, Trump was asked if he thought wealthier Americans should receive special treatment for testing, as IJR previously reported.
At the time, he said, “I wouldn’t say so, but perhaps that’s been the story of life.”
However, Griffin’s remarks shed light on a different scenario. Various news outlets have reported that coronavirus testing shortages are plaguing cities and states all over the United States.
But despite the ongoing concerns about the coronavirus response, Trump insists his administration and professionals have done a “fantastic job.”