A report from The Washington Post has indicated that President Donald Trump has yet to spend $9 billion in funding for COVID-19 pandemic assistance. According to interviews with over 40 people, the decision to withhold funding is largely influenced by an advisor close to the President named Scott Atlas.
Dr. Scott Atlas is a radiologist from the University of Chicago. Despite his expertise in radiology, he does not have a background in studying infectious diseases. In fact, his recommendation to withhold funding runs contrary to infectious disease experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx.
His decision to withhold funding has also angered many on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been vocal about President Trump’s decision regarding the pandemic.
“We’re demanding that the feds release those dollars,” Schumer said.
This news comes as the world crosses the 40 million confirmed COVID-19 case mark. Leading the way, the U.S. has reported more than 220,000 deaths.
“Today I’m revealing some unacceptable news.”@SenSchumer says HHS is sitting on $9 billion of aid money, and is demanding that the government release it for more #Covid testing and tracing pic.twitter.com/vLuMSU74G0
— Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake) October 18, 2020
