Trump calls Woodward book a ‘political hit job’

President Trump on Wednesday ripped into Bob Woodward’s new book as “just another political hit job” after the author claimed Trump said he knew the coronavirus was “deadly” but went to great lengths to downplay the virus in public.

Pressed on his reported coronavirus comments during an afternoon event in the Diplomatic Room of the White House, the president defended himself: "You cannot show a sense of panic."

It follows an earlier defense of Trump from White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who said Wednesday: “When you are facing insurmountable challenges, it is important to express confidence, it is important to express calm.”

“He makes clear that he doesn’t want to see chaos, by the way, which is the second part of the quote which you failed to read,” she continued, addressing a reporter who had read part of the quote.