Onaje McDowelle
After being released from Walter Reed Medical Center, President Donald Trump tweeted that Americans should not “be afraid of Covid.” The tweet drew sharp criticism from Amanda Kloots, widow of late Broadway star Nick Cordero, who passed away from COVID-19 earlier this year.
She called out POTUS’ tweet for hypocrisy, saying that the message exhibited insensitivity and lack of empathy on Trump’s part.
In an Instagram post, Kloots wrote, “To all the over 208,000 Americans who lost loved ones to this virus – I stand by you, with you, holding your hand. Unfortunately it did dominate our lives didn’t it? It dominated Nick’s family’s lives and my family’s lives. I guess we ‘let it’ – like it was our choice??”
She continued, stating “I cried next to my husband for 95 days watching what COVID did to the person I love. It IS something to be afraid of. After you see the person you love the most die from this disease you would never say what this tweet says.”
In an Instagram story post she further denounced POTUS’ stance. “It’s beyond hurtful. Have some empathy. Why are you bragging? Have empathy to the Americans, that you are our leader, have empathy to the people who are suffering and grieving,” she said.
“To act like this disease is nothing and you got right over it, I’m so happy. Thank god you did. But guess what? There are a lot of people that didn’t.”
While 210,000 Americans have currently died due to COVID-19, Trump will reportedly continue to receive treatment under close watch by medical professionals upon returning to the White House.