Trump: "Doctors Increase COVID-19 Infections for Money"... US Medical Community 'Backlash'

American Medical Association (AMA) "Malicious and Absurd Claims"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the medical community is inflating the number of deaths related to COVID-19 for financial gain, prompting strong backlash from the U.S. medical sector.

According to political media outlet The Hill and others, on the 31st of last month (local time), the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest physician organization in the U.S., issued a statement criticizing, "The claim that doctors are inflating patient numbers or lining their pockets during a public health crisis is malicious, absurd, and completely false."

The backlash came after President Trump made remarks during a campaign rally in Michigan the previous day. Trump stated, "When people die of COVID-19, doctors make more money," adding, "They say, 'Sorry, but everyone is dying of COVID-19.'" He continued, "If the cause of death is uncertain, we choose COVID-19. People will say 'what he said is terrible,' but it's the truth. It seems they get an extra $2,000. So they make more money."

AMA President Susan Bailey said that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have been treating patients throughout the pandemic, "because of their sense of duty and sacred oath." She emphasized, "Leaders should follow science and urge compliance with public health measures such as wearing masks, hand washing, and social distancing, rather than baseless accusations and attacks."