Downplays coronavirus risk, saying China virus is 'totally under control'

After the first U.S. case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in Washington state, Trump sought to reassure reporters by insisting the outbreak coming from China was 'totally under control.' Asked about the virus at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he said, 'We have it totally under control. It's one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It's going to be just fine.' His comments badly understated the risk and ignored warnings from public health officials that community spread was likely, foreshadowing months of minimization and false assurances.

"We have it totally under control. It's one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It's going to be just fine." — January 22, 2020 remarks in Davos after first U.S. coronavirus case confirmed