During a speech on police reform, President Donald Trump let loose with a whopper that quickly started earning scorn on social media and outrage from activists. He claimed that scientists working on a vaccine for coronavirus were the same people who created “an AIDS vaccine” that doesn’t exist.
“Before the end of the year, I predict we will have a very successful vaccine, therapeutic, and cure. We’re making tremendous progress. I deal with these incredible scientists, doctors very very closely. I have great respect for their minds,” Trump said during the briefing.
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“And they have come up with things, and they’ve come up with many other cures and therapeutics over the years. These are the best, the smartest, the most brilliant anywhere. And they’ve come up with the AIDS vaccine.”
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“They’ve come up with the AIDS vaccine” pic.twitter.com/Z8MQK5Bi2F
— Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) June 16, 2020
I didn't even have to check why AIDS vaccine was trending. I immediately knew who said it. This is where we are now.
— Wajahat "Social Distance Yourself" Ali (@WajahatAli) June 16, 2020
Trump really said theirs an AIDS vaccine pic.twitter.com/atGOpKtq5r
— Jenny (@__JennayPandas) June 16, 2020
Things that don't exist: Easter Bunny, Aids vaccine, love between Donald and Melania.
— Birdie Num Nums 🐦🦉🦅🐧 Masking up is patriotism (@Suz_Chirps) June 16, 2020
No Trump. As always you are WRONG.
There is no vaccine for AIDS though we have advancements in treatment where PLHIV can have achieve an undetectable viral load and not transmit (“U=U”). Our battle continues with pharma holding monopolies on these lifesaving drugs.
— ACT UP NY (@actupny) June 16, 2020
