Trump White House overrode Covid guidance for churches, emails show

CDC planned to suggest in 2020 that religious communities hold services online but key passages were struck out

Donald Trump's administration overrode Covid-19 guidance to religious organizations, according to newly released emails, which would have encouraged churches to consider virtual religious services rather than in-person worship.

In May 2020, as coronavirus cases and deaths surged, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent the White House a draft of its planned guidance to faith-based communities, seeking approval for publication.