PHOENIX – Kristin Urquiza, the former Arizona resident who drew attention for a searing obituary of her father that slammed politicians’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, called for President Donald Trump to resign Wednesday after reports he’d purposely downplayed the severity of the novel coronavirus.
Trump knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that COVID-19 was highly contagious and more deadly than the flu, according to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward. Yet, when addressing the public, he claimed the virus was “under control” and would soon disappear.
“The president is on record lying,” Urquiza, whose father died of COVID-19 in June, told The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. “It’s undeniable, and it’s inexcusable.”
More than 6 million people have been infected with COVID-19 in the U.S. to date, with those over 65 years old hit particularly hard. Nearly 190,000 Americans have died, and countless others face grueling, months-long recoveries.
“We’re taught to follow our leaders especially during times of crisis. For people like my dad, he trusted Donald Trump, he trusted (Arizona) Gov. Doug Ducey,” Urquiza said.
“When they, in May, decided to lie to the public and say that it was safe to go out and to resume normal activities, my father followed their advice. For that, he paid with his life.”
2 Answers