Trump gives himself a perfect 10 out of 10 score on his coronavirus response

Eliza Relman

Mar 17, 2020, 02:33 IST

Trump gives himself a perfect 10 out of 10 score on his coronavirus response

Evan Vucci/AP

President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force, in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, Monday, March 16, 2020, in Washington.

President Donald Trump gave himself a perfect score when evaluating his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic at a White House briefing on Monday.
Trump dodged a related question about whether the "buck stops" with him, and said it "normally" would, but this pandemic is "unprecedented."
But while the president attempted to project confidence, his administration issued a strict new set of guidelines designed to dramatically restrict Americans' daily activities to contain the coronavirus.
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President Donald Trump gave himself a perfect score when evaluating his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic at a White House briefing on Monday.

When asked by a reporter what grade he would give himself, the president said "10" on a scale of one to 10. He dodged a related question about whether the "buck stops" with him, and said it "normally" would, but this pandemic is "unprecedented."

Last week, he said he wouldn't take any responsibility for the significant delay in the country's coronavirus testing capabilities.

But while the president attempted to project confidence, his administration issued a strict new set of federal guidelines designed to dramatically restrict Americans' daily activities to slow and contain the coronavirus' spread.

At the press briefing, Trump announced that the federal government is recommending Americans avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, homeschool their children, avoid nonessential travel, and avoid bars and restaurants.

The federal government's new guidelines, which will be revisited in 15 days, mark a sharp escalation of the administration's efforts and reflect the pervasive threat the virus poses to the country.

The recommendations aren't mandatory, but they come as many cities and states close non-essential businesses such as theaters, bars, and gyms, require restaurants to provide only delivery and takeout, and prohibit large gatherings. Various states have also closed public schools.