Similar to recent weeks, President Trump’s polling figures in key battleground states continue to trend downward. Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has drawn harsh criticism as he’s failed to garner bipartisan emergency support, which has been characteristic of past crises.

As the November election draws near, leading Republicans are grappling with how to boost Trump’s position, while the coronavirus pandemic threatens to tank his re-election hopes. 

While the Republican National Committee (RNC) has launched a massive effort in the hopes of reaching nearly 20 million swing voters, Trump campaign officials have focused their efforts on attacking former Vice President Joe Biden. 

On Thursday, former Vice President Joe Biden suggested that President Donald Trump may try to delay the election in November in order to win. Left-leaning articles highlight that Biden’s comments attempt to frame the president as desperate, while right-leaning articles highlight that Biden and the Democratic National Committee are going to begin joint fundraising.

There are 2206 news articles covering this topic. 28% (615) are left leaning, 37% (827) center, 35% (764) right leaning.

From the left: Biden steps up warnings of possible election disruption, New York Times
From the center: Biden says Trump may 'try to kick back' November election, USA Today
From the right: Biden campaign and DNC forge deal for joint fundraising, Fox News

Also in the news: On Friday, Trump said he was being sarcastic when he previously remarked that injecting disinfectant into the lungs of sick coronavirus patients could cure them of the disease. Left-leaning articles highlight that the company that produces Lysol responded to Trump’s statement, while right-leaning articles highlight that the media took Trump’s words out of context.

At Thursday’s coronavirus task force meeting, President Trump said his administration may extend the guidelines for social distancing past spring and into early summer. While left-leaning articles highlight Trump’s contradictory advice, right-leaning articles highlight that Trump rebuffed concerns from Dr. Anthony Fauci.

There are 1530 news articles covering this topic. 41% (634) are left leaning, 40% (617) center, 18% (279) right leaning.

From the left: Trump sows confusion about how to reopen the country, Washington Post
From the center: Social distancing guidelines may extend beyond early summer, Newsweek
From the right: Trump says he ‘doesn’t agree’ with Dr. Fauci’s testing concerns, NY Post

Also in the news: On Thursday, Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending. While left-leaning articles highlight that the House overwhelmingly passed the aid package, right-leaning articles highlight the package’s infusion to the Paycheck Protection Program.

On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order restricting certain categories of immigrants from entering the United States for 60 days. While left-leaning articles highlight the large number of immigrant visas that will be affected by this order, right-leaning articles highlight praise for Trump’s decision to put Americans first.

There are 2155 news articles covering this topic. 34% (743) are left leaning, 42% (906) center, 23% (506) right leaning.

From the left: Trump pauses immigration for 60 days, with exceptions, Washington Post
From the center: Trump signs immigration order curbing green cards, AP
From the right: Executive order suspending immigration amid coronavirus, Fox News

Also in the news: Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp said he is reopening the state based on White House criteria. Left-leaning articles highlight the growing North vs. South divide in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, while right-leaning articles highlight that Trump “disagrees strongly” with Kemp’s plan to re-open businesses.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved $484 billion in relief for the U.S. economy and hospitals hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. While left-leaning articles highlight that Democrats ensured that more of the relief money would go to coronavirus testing, right-leaning articles highlight that Republicans tried to pass an expansion of a loan program earlier this month.

There are 2178 news articles covering this topic. 25% (555) are left leaning, 52% (1133) center, 22% (490) right leaning.

From the left: Congress rushes to replenish small business relief program, New York Times
From the center: $500 billion aid package passes U.S. Senate headed to House, Reuters
From the right: Senate passes $484b bill aimed to help businesses & hospitals, NY Post

Also in the news: On Monday, President Trump announced on Twitter that he would use an executive order to suspend all immigration into the United States in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus. While left-leaning articles highlight Trump’s previous decision to bar asylum seekers, right-leaning articles highlight that Trump’s aides are defending his order to suspend immigration to the United States.

The White House and congressional leaders may be near a deal on a new wave of coronavirus relief funding, which would include replenishing a small business loan program that ran out of money. While left-leaning articles highlight various aspects of the new relief fund, right-leaning articles highlight that Democrats held up critical coronavirus relief for small businesses.

There are 2423 news articles covering this topic. 38% (914) are left leaning, 41% (999) center, 21% (510) right leaning.

From the left: White House and Dems near deal on aid for small businesses, Seattle Times
From the center: White House Officials Work To Release Pandemic Relief Funds, NPR
From the right: McCarthy slams Pelosi for ‘holding up’ small business funds, Fox News

Also in the news: On Monday, President Trump said that adequate coronavirus testing existed but was being underutilized by governors. The statement comes in response to a chorus of complaints by state leaders and health care experts regarding the country’s insufficient testing capacity. While left-leaning articles highlight Trump’s varying positions on stay-at-home orders, right-leaning articles highlight that a former New York Times reporter said that states should reopen schools.