Vice President Mike Pence is at the center of controversy after suggesting there was a “misunderstanding” regarding the number of coronavirus tests he promised.
During the White House’s coronavirus press briefing on Monday, ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl asked Pence about his previous promise. Pence previously committed on March 9 and March 10 to deliver approximately 4 million tests by the end of the week.
Karl asked if Pence learned anything from the “mistakes” that he could use to improve his handling of the issue, going forward.
Pence responded saying, “I appreciate the question, but it represents a misunderstanding on your part and frankly the — a lot of people in the public’s part — about the difference between having a test versus the ability to actually process the test.”
See the full exchange below:
.@jonkarl: We sat here over a month ago and heard similar remarks from CEOs about how they were going to rapidly roll out new testing. It didn’t really happen. What went wrong?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 27, 2020
PENCE: “I appreciate the question, but it represents a misunderstanding on your part.” pic.twitter.com/3IRz3Z44M7
The comment quickly garnered criticism from many people who have accused the vice president of “gaslighting” when it comes to accurate reporting of the tests conducted. Gaslighting is manipulating someone using psychological means.
According to a CNN fact check on the vice president’s comments, “If there was a misunderstanding, Pence’s own remarks helped create it.” As CNN writes, “Pence did not add a caveat about how the system was currently unable to deal with the 4 million tests. And he specifically mentioned commercial labs immediately after mentioning the 4 million tests, creating the impression that the labs would be able to handle the tests.”
Pence back-peddles on why there aren't more tests. He actually says it was a misunderstanding on the MEDIA! Wow, now Pence is gaslighting us on #COVID19 There is NO bottom to this administration on how low they will sink!#WeWantDrFauciDailyBriefings
— Peter Morley (@morethanmySLE) April 27, 2020
This is a textbook case of gaslighting, in case you're confused about difference between it & lying. Pence's claims about testing aren't false — they're presented in a misleading way. 5mil tests sounds like a lot, but the daily breakdown shows how little progress is being made. https://t.co/DnMSfmbamF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 24, 2020
Some people also noted the White House’s comments promising 27 million tests by the end of March.
Mike Pence just bragged about 5 million coronavirus tests completed nationwide.
— Swing Left (@swingleft) April 27, 2020
But… the White House promised 27 million by the end of March, nearly a month ago.
Where are the tests? #TrumpPressConf https://t.co/yw4YU9tNi7
Despite the mounting criticism, Pence has opted to focus on what the White House has achieved, noting that two months ago less than 10,000 coronavirus tests had been completed nationwide.
“Now, Mr. President, we have 5.4 million tests,” Pence continued.
Two months ago, we had done less than 10,000 tests for the Coronavirus in the United States. Because of the public-private partnership President @realDonaldTrump forged with commercial labs across the Country, we have tested over 5.4 Million Americans. pic.twitter.com/NO0UaJkqRi
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 27, 2020
On Monday, details about President Donald Trump’s blueprint for state testing was announced. The blueprint will reportedly include insight on testing response and initial actions.
The Office of the Press Secretary: “President Donald J. Trump is ensuring states have the testing capacity needed to safely open up America again”
— Amanda Brilhante (@Amanda_Bril) April 27, 2020
Includes the President’s steps to release a blueprint, testing response, and initial actions pic.twitter.com/eiBId4FG0i
As of Tuesday morning, the United States has more than 1 million positive coronavirus cases.