Rep. Trey Hollingsworth says letting more Americans die of coronavirus is lesser of two evils compared to economy tanking

Washington CNN — An Indiana congressman said Tuesday that letting more Americans die from the novel coronavirus is the “lesser of two evils” compared with the economy cratering due to social distancing measures. Speaking with radio station WIBC in Indiana, Republican Rep. Trey Hollingsworth asserted that, while he appreciated the science behind the virus’ spread, “it is always the American government’s position to say, in the choice between the loss of our way of life as Americans and the loss of life, of American lives, we have to always choose the latter.” “The social scientists are telling us about the economic disaster that is going on. That is our responsibility and to abdicate that is to insult the Americans that voted us into office.” Hollingsworth told CNN, in a statement provided by his office later Tuesday, that “It’s hyperbolic to say that the only choices before us are the two corner solutions: no economy or widespread casualties.” “We can use the best of biology and economics to enable as much of the economy to operate as possible while we work to minimize disease transmission.” Relaxing social distancing measures now would contradict recommendations put forth by government agencies and public health experts. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told CNN last month, “You don’t make the timeline, the virus makes the timeline.” Still, Hollingsworth’s comments echo a growing desire among some Republicans – including President Donald Trump – to begin to ease the guidelines that have shuttered businesses and kept workers at home.