The Fearful and the Rich Save Themselves

America’s populists fail at crisis management

Donald Trump took his time to wake up to the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis. To begin with, he systematically called it the “China virus” and criticized both the media and the Democrats for constantly asking so many questions about the outbreak. He has now finally made a turnaround and is trying to conduct his press conferences in a statesmanlike manner.

The question is whether it’s because of the threat the virus poses to human life and health, or whether it’s because the coronavirus is the only challenge to his continued presidency. And the economy, of course. The economy has started to falter.

He Could Be Ruined

Trump’s hold on power for the nation and the Republican Party is founded on the promise of a strong American economy. In contrast to prior presidents, Trump also has significant personal investments in the financial sector. The coronavirus is therefore threatening to ruin both Trump’s political support, as well as his personal finances.

The virus threat is now being taken very seriously indeed, at least according to statements and symbolic action. For example, hundreds of respirators are being sent to the people who are the worst affected in New York, where, in fact, they expect to need tens of thousands. At the same time, Trump is suggesting that the economy and normal life is expected to resume within eight days.

Brazil’s Athlete

In South America you will find another populist trying to save himself. The president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is demanding that the country should open and start to live again.

The coronavirus is just a cold, he says, and a media conspiracy is to blame for the panic. Should he catch the virus himself he would live; he is an athlete, after all.

They say that in crisis and war, people reveal their true nature, but Bolsonaro and Trump have been visible throughout this crisis. What the crisis has really revealed is what sort of leadership a country needs and deserves, which is the opposite of populism.