Trump forced to backtrack after outrage at White House staffers receiving vaccine first

Over the weekend, it was reported that White House staff will be among the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine – and people weren’t happy about it.

The New York Times revealed that high-ranking officials who work closely with Trump will be vaccinated in just a few days, despite the fact that the administration’s mishandling of the pandemic has been partially blamed for the deaths of almost 300,000 Americans.

After months of downplaying the severity of the virus, and even enabling conspiracy theories calling it a hoax, many were confused and enraged by the sudden U-turn.

Responses were far from positive to say the least, with one Twitter user saying that “giving the White House staff the first doses of the Covid vaccine is like giving the Titanic crew the first lifeboat.”

The backlash to the move has forced Trump to backtrack on the scheduled vaccinations.

In a tweet, the president wrote: “People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary. I have asked that this adjustment be made. I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time. Thank you!”

Nevertheless, people still called the Trump administration out on its hypocrisy.

Several White House officials have already tested positive for Covid-19, as well as the president, Melania Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

There have also been concerns over another superspreader event after one staff member who has coronavirus attended a Christmas party at the White House.