(CNN)President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the World Health Organization over the past week for being "China-centric" and failing to "objectively assess the situation on the ground and to call out China's lack of transparency" as the coronavirus death toll increases globally.
Trump's heightened rhetoric comes as he and his administration are facing scrutiny over their own handling of the pandemic, with early missteps that included downplaying the threat the virus posed and delays and shortages in coronavirus testing.
Trump and Biden launch battle over China that could define 2020 election
Although Trump has recently expressed some displeasure with China, his tough comments of late are a far cry from his past statements on the nation and its leader, Xi Jinping, whom he praised for his transparency and management of the outbreak.
Trump's stance contrasted with those of other senior members of the administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who have called out Beijing for its failures to share key information at the outset of the pandemic, hindering the global response and costing lives.
CNN identified at least 37 separate instances where Trump praised China since January, including one as recent as April 1. Here is a timeline of those remarks:
Paid Content
Instantly unblock Gmail, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &… expressvpn
Learning a new language this year? – This app gets you speaking in… Babbel.com
Why Everybody in China is Snapping Up These New… PlayBeatz
China: New WiFi Booster Stops Expensive Internet Next Tech
Learning A Language In 2020? - This App Is Used By Millions Of Language Learners Babbel
Access Hundreds of New Titles While Staying at Home! ExpressVPN
Business Elon Musk's promised ventilators never delivered to California…
U.S. A man goes to withdraw his $1,700 stimulus money and gets…
Business During a national emergency, Trump clings to his television…
Politics Don Lemon's strong message for those who 'just want to get a…
U.S. Tom Brady seen working out in a closed Tampa park, mayor says
Business How bad is the airline crisis? We're about to find out
Politics Judge rules Rick Gates doesn't have to spend days in jail during…
Paid Content
No-Touch Infrared Thermometer, 100% accurate! Next Tech How To Get Unrestricted Internet Access Worldwide With One… ExpressVPN 6 Ways a VPN Can Help You! ExpressVPN Invest your time wisely and start learning language in 3 weeks… Babbel
More from CNN
A tornado outbreak is expected today Chris Cuomo returns from his basement quarantine What you need to have a safe home birth Trump's approval rally has disappeared
Recommended by