President Trump on Thursday hailed the successful development of the COVID-19 vaccines as a “Christmas miracle” that will end the deadly pandemic.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump launched a recorded holiday message from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they’re vacationing.
Trump said the day marks “the greatest miracle in human history: more than 2,000 years ago, God sent his only-begotten son to be with us”.
“At Christmas, we thank God for sending us his son to bring peace to our souls and joy to the world,” said the president.
The recently approved COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna will help restore life to normal, said Trump.
“We are delivering millions of doses of a safe and effective vaccine that will soon end this terrible pandemic and save millions and millions of lives,” said Trump.
“We are grateful to all scientists, researchers, manufacturing workers and service members who have worked tirelessly to make this discovery possible. It is truly a Christmas miracle. “
Since March, the virus has infected more than 18.5 million Americans and killed more than 327,000, causing considerable economic, educational and social upheaval. Distribution of vaccine doses began this month after approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Trump made no direct reference to a fight in Washington over a $ 2.3 trillion COVID-19 government funding and relief bill that passed the two chambers of Congress on Monday.
Trump said on Tuesday that he opposed the bill’s billions in foreign aid and demanded that the $ 600 stimulus checks be increased to $ 2,000. If Trump does not sign the existing bill, about 12 million people will lose unemployment insurance the day after Christmas. The stalemate could cause a partial government shutdown next week.