Friends — 

There’s nothing I want more than for President Trump to succeed in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and I will do everything I can to help him in this effort.

But his insistence on using the term “Chinese virus” is not just xenophobic, but actively harmful to both Asian Americans and the White House’s response to this life-threatening pandemic.

If you agree that President Trump should stop using xenophobic language and focus on containing the virus, acquiring and administering more tests, and treating sick Americans, then add your name today.

The president’s view that the virus was a Chinese problem contributed to his failure to understand the need for testing and having enough medical equipment to respond to an outbreak.

And now, Trump’s hateful rhetoric is adding fuel to the fire of misdirected violence and anger against Asian Americans, who have been assaulted or otherwise discriminated against since the rise of this global pandemic.

I served on active duty in the U.S. military to defend the right of any American to make politically incorrect statements, but as a public figure, I cannot stand idly by while the president uses his pulpit to exacerbate xenophobia in a time of crisis.

If you’re with me, please add your name today.

We are in a worldwide, life-threatening pandemic, and we all need to work together. Thank you for your solidarity with Asian Americans and those who ask that President Trump demonstrate true leadership as we work to keep Americans from dying from this virus.

— Rep. Ted Lieu