- Question
Was Trump justified to try to buy the rights to a COVID-19 vaccine?
The American President made his mark on the world in business. Hotels, golfing resorts, universities, casinos, TV production, you name it...So is it any surprise the former reality television star offered a 'large sum' for exclusive rights to the Coronavirus vaccine? In a global economy built on the sale of goods and services, this move was hardly extraordinary. Yet, the pandemic has now reached the furthest corners of our world with hideous effects. Was Trump justified in making his offer?
Healthcare is a privilege
In the US, healthcare is a business. And pharmaceuticals don't come cheap. Why would this change fundamentally simply because the virus extends beyond US borders?
Healthcare is a right
This position holds Trump was not justified in trying to buy exclusive rights to a Covid-19 vaccine, because healthcare is a right. It argues that monopolising a life-saving vaccine would breach the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines a right to health and adequate living.
World leaders are only responsible for their own citizens
The Americans elected Trump to best represent their interests. He may be a major player on the world stage, but that shouldn't detract from his purpose: to do what's best for US citizens, and no one else.
There are sinister implications to this failed sale
This was about much more than exclusive rights to a drug. The world is in chaos and needs to work together to solve the crisis. Actively deepening divisions hints at a number of unsavoury truths about Trump's real motivations.