Issuing insensitive statements about global issues is not something new for the Republican Party, but this time, it crosses all lines. The Commerce Secretary of the United States said that the decline in Chinese economy due to the epidemic could boost jobs in North America and we are not sure where the priorities of one of the most influential superpowers of the world lie.

Source: New York Post

In an interview with Fox Business News Network on Thursday where he was invited to discuss the economic impact of the virus, specifically in the global market since the country accounts for a considerable number of sales, he said, “I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America. Some to US. Probably come to Mexico as well.”

You can watch the full video here: https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1222863896882679808?s=20

He termed the unpopularity of Chinese market a “victory lap” and said that even though the events surrounding the virus are “unfortunate”, in America’s favor “it does give business another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain.” Well, we are glad that America is profiting off such a deadly situation around the world.

It is important to note here that the United States was one of the first countries to close down their flights to China and many US-based multinationals restricted travel for their employees after five cases were confirmed in the country.

The World Health Organization has declared this virus a global emergency and researchers around the world are trying to come up with a cure to erase or limit the spread of the epidemic.

On Wednesday, President Trump also named some people from the senate who will form a task force and come up with strategies to tackle Coronavirus that is rapidly spreading around the world. And while notable names like Alez Azar are present in the committee, it is not a surprise that Senator Ross is not a member of the force.

Source: Twitter

After Ross’ interview, the world was shocked at the lack of sensitivity coming from a superior officer, and he faced a backlash from the critics of the Republican Party.

Democrat congressman, Don Beyer took his disapproval to Twitter saying “Wilbur Ross’ reaction to a disease killing hundreds is to talk about ways to make money off it. Somehow they always find a way to be worse.”

Source: Twitter

Eugene GU MD took a jab at the Senator on Twitter saying, “Wilbur Ross saying the Coronavirus would boost the American economy and bring more jobs makes me wonder if he’s the grandson of the dude who gave smallpox blankets to the Native Americans.”

In an attempt to dilute the hatred that Ross attracted, US Commerce Department defended his statement saying “As Secretary Ross made clear the first step is to bring the virus under control and help the victims of this disease. It is also important to consider the ramifications of doing business with a country that has a long history of covering up real risks to its people and the rest of the world”.

Again, the comments were not well-received, and the Republican Party once again landed in hot water with the critics and the public.

So far, 638 fatalities have been reported from China, and the epidemic has spread to 18 countries, including the United States. Experts have said that this virus will prove to be more damaging to the global economy than Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 that killed more than 700 people and cost more than $30bn to the world.