China's Role in the Pandemic
Betsy McCaughey, a former lieutenant-governor of New York, contends that China has evaded accountability for the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed 1.1 million Americans. She criticizes the Trump administration for not pursuing justice against Beijing, despite earlier threats of a $50 trillion reparations demand.
In the winter of 2019, Chinese officials violated international commitments by muzzling doctors and journalists, allowing international flights to carry infected passengers, and withholding data on human-to-human transmission and the virus's genomic sequence, according to McCaughey.
Failed Attempts at Accountability
McCaughey notes that proposals to make China pay, such as withholding interest on $1.07 trillion in U.S. Treasury debt held by China, are impractical and could backfire. Lawsuits, like Missouri's $24 billion default judgment against China, have proven uncollectible due to sovereign immunity and the risk of Chinese retaliation against U.S. assets.
International bodies—the UN, WHO, and International Court of Justice—have been ineffective, as China blocks investigations and rejects jurisdiction, she writes.
Trump's Shift in Approach
During a May 15, 2026 state visit with Xi Jinping, Trump emphasized business opportunities and avoided discussing COVID-19 reparations, McCaughey reports. She questions whether Trump will use his political capital to seek an apology and justice for victims, concluding that "nailing Fauci is hardly enough."
Sen. Rand Paul is credited for pushing for accountability, but McCaughey insists the focus must remain on China, which shows no remorse and continues to suppress dissenting scientists.
