Russian TV Runs Conspiracy Theory Blaming Trump for Coronavirus

A Russian state television show has run a conspiracy theory which blames the coronavirus outbreak on none other than U.S. President Donald Trump. 

During Wednesday evening’s edition of “Vremya” on Channel One, host Kirill Kleimenov recounted the theory that the highly contagious virus didn’t originate in a cave of Chinese bats, but was actually manufactured in an American laboratory on Trump’s orders.

Kleimenov pointed to an unmistakable “signature” in the virus’ name which could only be the work of Trump. 

“From the origin of the word, the origin of the virus becomes clearer. What is it called? Coronavirus. Take the word ‘crown.’ It is the basis of the name and comes first,” Kleimenov said. 

“What did Donald Trump, the president of America, China’s main rival in the world arena, do in his previous life? That's right, he handed out crowns at his famous beauty contest. So the origin of the coronavirus, and most importantly, the goals and objectives of its use become absolutely clear,” he continued, admitting that it was just a conspiracy theory.  

In reality, coronaviruses get their name from the virus' appearance, which resembles a crown.

More than 28,000 people have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus worldwide and more than 560 people, mostly in China, have died. There have been two confirmed coronavirus cases within Russia.