RESPONSE TO WOODWARD REVELATIONS: 'You cannot show a sense of panic' Trump says

President Trump told The Washington Post's Bob Woodward back in February that the emerging novel coronavirus was "deadly" -- speaking in more dire terms than he was publicly at the time -- according to an account of Woodward's new book which also said Trump boasted of building a secret weapons system.

The Post reported Wednesday on passages from the book, "Rage," including Woodward's discussions with the president.

The section on Trump's COVID-19 comments generated quick controversy, though the cryptic details on a new weapons system are sure to spark speculation. Woodward quoted Trump saying that the U.S. has built a weapons system “that nobody’s ever had in this country before.”

“I have built a nuclear — a weapons system that nobody’s ever had in this country before,” Trump said while discussing how close the U.S. came to war with North Korea in 2017, according to the Post. “We have stuff that you haven’t even seen or heard about. We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before. There’s nobody — what we have is incredible.”

Woodward reportedly wrote that anonymous sources confirmed there was a secret new weapons system, and the "sources were surprised Trump had disclosed it."

Much of the report focuses on the Trump administration’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

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[marukundesu]

“The building is on fire. Dont panic, I have everything under control and this will go away once it rains.”

“The building is on fire. Dont panic, please follow the firefighter’s precautionary measures and head to the nearest fire exit.”

Completely 2 different ways of calming people.

[nedamalovic]

I feel so safe when i hear Trumo speak. He is the best president ever in the US history besides Abraham Lincoln of course. I love this guy. President Trump FOREVER ❤️🇺🇸

[rodneybolton]

Please tell me why reporters always ask the same questions. 🤮

[reverenddeborahedwardsdth]

It’s so easy for some to say President Trump didn’t do enough for covid as well as many other areas. He did an amazing job with covid as well as other areas. He kept his promises he made. Accomplished more than any other president in a very long time. You nor I have any idea how difficult his job is. I don’t think anyone could have done better. Op top of it he has a high I.Q!

[newday]

What does this prove asking the same question over & over. We've all heard it, believe it or not, dont waste our lives. Ask something relevant.

[belonging]

A father with his family in a burning house: 'there is no fire. No need for a panic. No need to leave the house. But as you wait here, I'll be sure to go into the fireproof basement by myself.'

[lynnhurt]

The press is sickening. Love President Trump.

[inuJesus]

Prayers🙏🏽 for our presidenta del our world 🌏

[richardhallett]

The Cherokee nation has secured a contract with the U S government to manufacture and supply PPE. The Cherokee nation tends to get things done quickly.

[patriciacooper]

I'm more frightened now than I was at the beginning of covid-19due to the actions of the president and not telling the truth.

[mariamenani]

Imagine if he would had panic we took all the toilet paper lol

[rzone]

“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis” - Abraham Lincoln

[kirkham]

Amen 🙏 Trump! You're strong, smart and quick because you're truthful.... need I say more

[jefft.]

God Bless the USA and President Trump.

[octaviodelaserna]

Nancy Pelosi said come to China Town! No worries! Mayor Debacle of NY said carry on nothing to worry about!

[sengouthinsanouvong]

Oh my.I did not realized this. Our president looking younger and younger.

[katehu]

I think the lesson is pay more attention to what is done than said. Actions speak louder than words. Our POTUS understands that. I watched this great episode of a police show where there was a potential dirty bomb in NYC, and the Commissioner was obviously aware but elected to let his people handle it while allowing the public to keep feeling safe. Panic is often worse than the problem itself. This was a tough situation and its impossible to know if someone else could have handled it better.

[twwap]

Thank God for this president 🙌🙏 Woodward? I wouldn't have wasted my time with that wind bag.

[lornebarnes]

Keep up the great work mr. President, AMERICA NEEDS YOU, THE GREAT GENIUS AT WORK.

[charlottemcvie]

Down with the news get some respectable smart reporters