US commerce secretary under fire for saying Coronavirus could boost US jobs

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross is being criticized for saying the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China could be positive for the American economy.

During a TV interview Mr Ross said: “I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America”.

The rapid spread of the disease has raised fears about its impact on the Chinese economy and global growth.

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. https://t.co/gKueJfacaa

— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 30, 2020

The comments have come under fire from critics of President Trump’s administration.

In response to a question on Fox Business News about whether the outbreak is a risk to the US economy Mr Ross said: “I don’t want to talk about a victory lap over a very unfortunate, very malignant disease.”

“The fact is, it does give business yet another thing to consider when they go through their review of their supply chain… So I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America,” he went on to say.

 

Read more via BBC/ The Washington Post/CNN