Trump's 'biggest decision': Human lives or saving the economy

(Patria) – US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he faces the 'biggest decision of his life' to date, which is whether to open the US economy sooner to avoid further consequences.

He suggested that he would listen to medical experts in this regard, and also announced the formation of a new advisory group that will focus on the economic opening process.

Trump finds it particularly difficult to accept the (already) catastrophic consequences the epidemic is leaving on the US due to the strict measures introduced by his administration. At the same time, he is still being criticized for his initially relaxed stance towards the coronavirus epidemic – so he is truly facing the 'hardest decision of his life', as he himself emphasizes.

Essentially, Trump must decide whether to encourage people to 'stay home' or to return to work and 'normal' life. He himself claims that the decision will be based on facts, although his desire to revive the economy is evident. The US President estimates that the 'curve is bending' and that the death toll could ultimately be lower than Dr. Fauci's estimate, thus, less than 100,000.

He also stated that the enhanced social distancing and isolation measures are yielding results, and that the situation has begun to stabilize in the previously 'hot' zones such as New Orleans, Detroit, Michigan, and Louisiana.

The number of coronavirus infections in the US is 502,876, and 18,747 people have died. New York remains the US epicenter with 159,937 confirmed infections and 7,067 victims.

The number of infections is increasing with enhanced testing, as is the case in other countries.

Experts such as leading US infectious disease specialist Dr. Fauci are warning Americans to refrain from leaving their homes during Easter.