The president’s ambition, however, ran headlong into a massive spike in coronavirus cases in Florida, growing local opposition and enormous logistical hurdles. At one point, convention planners announced they would administer daily coronavirus tests to thousands of delegates, donors and members of the media to help reduce the viral risk. That plan was later scrapped to move large portions of the celebrations to an outdoor venue.
The convention retreat came as polls continue to show public disapproval of Trump’s handling of the pandemic, with presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden expanding leads in key battleground states and advisers pressing Trump to try to shift gears.
In the past week, Trump has abandoned his longtime refusal to wear a mask or enthusiastically promote their use, stopped pushing for public mass campaign gatherings and acknowledged for the first time in months that the pandemic is likely to get worse before it gets better. Trump also acknowledged Thursday that some schools might have to delay reopening.
Democrats are planning a four-day convention in August that will be anchored in Milwaukee, with simulcasts from satellite locations across the country and prerecorded video. Delegates and party officials have been told to stay home, and the in-person crowd for major speeches, including Biden’s acceptance of the nomination, is expected to be small.
Trump advisers have repeatedly argued to him in recent days that a more cautious approach is likely to boost his popularity. Canceling the convention, they said, would also show he is taking the virus seriously.
Republican planners had already concluded that a packed, indoor arena would not be possible over several consecutive nights, given the high caseload in northern Florida. Some White House and campaign officials were fearful of the negative press if delegates and others were infected with the virus at the convention, two officials said.
They also came to the conclusion that they would probably have to use the National Guard to protect the convention from protests and allow for distancing in the crowd. The president, advisers said, was less than enthusiastic about an arena or stadium that appeared less than full.
Trump Announces Plans to Increase Federal Officers in More U.S. Cities
The remarks seemed likely to exacerbate tensions between his administration and local officials and residents already wary of militarized U.S. officers roving their streets. Soon after he finished speaking, Chicago’s mayor accused Trump of seeking to distract from his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.