After President Trump said using the term “Chinese virus” to refer to the novel coronavirus was not in any way racist, a reporter at Wednesday’s WH pandemic task force press briefing asked him about using the term “Kung Flu.” The reporter cited an anonymous report that an unnamed White House staffer used the term. YAMICHE ALCINDOR, REPORTER: At least one White House official use the term Kung Flu, referring to the fact that this virus started in China. Is that acceptable? Is it wrong? Are you worried that having this virus be talked about as a Chinese virus might — PRESIDENT TRUMP: Do you know who said that? ALCINDOR: I’m not sure of the person’s name. But would you condemn that–? TRUMP: Say the term again. ALCINDOR: A person at the White House used the term “Kung Flu.” TRUMP: Kung Flu? ALCINDOR: Kung Flu. Do you think using the term “Chinese Virus” puts Asian Americans at risk? That people might target them? TRUMP: Not at all, I think they probably would agree with it 100%. It comes from China.
Source: Reporter to President Trump: Is It Acceptable To Call Coronavirus “Kung Flu”?