WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – President Trump told journalist Bob Woodward in March he publicly downplayed the dangers of the coronavirus as it spread around the world to avoid a panic.

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds says those comments are now being viewed with the benefit of hindsight.

Rounds says the President’s actions didn’t slow down the federal response to the pandemic.

Rounds says the President has been very responsive when he has asked for assistance for the state.

Rounds says the President took action early on when he limited travel from China and Europe in February and March in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.