Trump Addresses Concerns Over Plague in Russia

<figure><img alt="Donald Trump standing in front of the Russian flag full of plague" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YJ4HM35CAZBHNPDLTCA5WAUY6U.jpg?auth=ad15a9d1e1e1a230a54d6429fccb409b602770369f5b01c1f33d2c8a659a156f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1081" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>President Donald Trump stated that the plague situation in Russia was "under control" while acknowledging he had limited information about it, following concerns over the death of a researcher. This statement was made during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Wednesday.</p><p>Trump responded to a question from Fox News reporter Peter Doocy regarding whether the plague in Russia could be a bioweapon, saying, "We don’t think so. We’re going to find out soon enough, but we don’t think so." He added, "If you listen to them, it’s under control. You know, people have said that before about other things, so we hope it is."</p><p>The inquiry comes after the death of a researcher at an anti-plague research institute, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting unconfirmed reports that it involved pneumonic plague. The situation has drawn comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the allegations regarding its origins.</p><p>Doocy further questioned Trump about whether he sensed a similar lack of transparency from Russia as he did from China at the onset of COVID-19. Trump replied, "Well, China didn’t say much, and Russia is not saying much either, but they do say they have it very much under control."</p><p>Later in the briefing, Trump mentioned that he had a call scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that it was Putin's birthday. He stated, "I have a call set up. Today is his birthday. I’m sure you’re going to celebrate it. You’re going to celebrate his birthday. No, I have a call set up."</p><p>Despite Trump's assurances, the U.S. State Department issued an urgent alert on Tuesday regarding the situation. The alert indicated that the U.S. Embassy was aware of press reports from the Irkutsk region about suspected pneumonic plague and associated quarantine measures. The embassy's statement urged U.S. citizens to follow local health authorities' guidance and seek medical care if they developed symptoms.</p><p>WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that Russian officials informed him that 200 people had been placed in quarantine in response to the situation, according to the Associated Press.</p>