Donald Trump turns to 2020 as coronavirus draws closer to him

CNN — As President Donald Trump has tried to move past the pandemic, it edged even closer into his inner circle of advisers Saturday with news that top members of the coronavirus task force will self-quarantine, in some form, after coming in contact with an individual who tested positive for the virus. Pence spokesperson Devin O’Malley said Sunday the vice president “will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine.” Trump appeared only briefly Saturday for a photo op in the presidential setting of the White House Cabinet Room where he met with top military brass. During a private call with former aides who worked in his administration Friday night, Obama described the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis as “an absolute chaotic disaster.” On the 30-minute call with members of the Obama Alumni Association, the former president said the pandemic had reinforced the need for strong leadership in the White House. “What we’re fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish, being tribal, being divided, and seeing others as an enemy – that has become a stronger impulse in American life.” In response to the reports, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement that Trump’s “coronavirus response has been unprecedented and saved American lives.” “There has been a bipartisan recognition of President Trump’s leadership, and the American people have taken notice,” McEnany said. On Sunday, Trump reiterated his support for Republican candidate Mike Garcia, saying the former Navy fighter pilot had his “complete and total endorsement.” The President also sought to stoke concerns about voter fraud by suggesting that a decision by Los Angeles County election officials to add an additional in-person voting center in the district – in the diverse city of Lancaster – would somehow “rig” the election to favor the Democrats.