Scapegoats And Allies: How Trump Changed His Tune On States' Coronavirus Response

On the first day of the Republican convention in Charlotte, more than five months after the coronavirus began spreading around the country, President Trump characterized the White House's response as "the exact right thing."

But, following a blueprint he's used for months, he also shifted responsibility for the pandemic response to the states. He blamed many governors for having been "ill prepared" for the pandemic, while praising others for doing a "fine job."

In May, Trump applauded Republican governors in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona for reopening quickly and having low case numbers. At the same time, he criticized states that remained closed, sparring with Democratic governors in New York and California, and pressuring leaders of swing states like Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania to lift restrictions.

In June, Trump held large campaign events that eschewed social distancing requirements and said he planned to hold more rallies in states that were reopening.