Oklahoma Reports Second Day Of Record-Breaking Coronavirus Cases Ahead Of Trump’s Tulsa Rally

TOPLINE

Oklahoma reported a fresh daily high in new coronavirus cases for a second straight day just two days before President Trump is set to hold a massive indoor rally in Tulsa, which public health experts have warned could exacerbate the outbreak in the region.

KEY FACTS

Chief Critic

Other public health experts have raised dire warnings about the rally. Dr. Anthony Fauci called it “risky” and said he would not personally attend, while Trump’s former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he would “certainly counsel against” attending the rally and advised the administration to “withhold large political rallies right now.”

What To Watch For

Parscale has said attendees will receive temperature checks, hand sanitizer and masks, but it remains to be seen whether there will be significant social distancing. 

Key Quote

“Trump has repeatedly said there are no empty seats at his rallies,” CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller noted. “So much for social distancing.” 

Tangent

The Trump campaign has attempted to tie the lawsuit to Democrats without providing evidence of links with the plaintiffs. “Leftist Joe Biden allies are desperate to stop Donald Trump from speaking to the American people,” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale tweeted in response to the lawsuit. “They’ll do anything to stop him, even suing to prevent people from hearing from their president. Despicable. It won’t work.” In a text to supporters, the campaign claimed, “Dems sued to SHUT DOWN our rally! They hate Trump supporters like you, friend.” Forbes has reached out to the Trump campaign for clarification.