In a taped interview with Bob Woodward for an upcoming book, Trump said he knew that COVID-19 was transmitted through the air and was five times deadlier than the flu. The tapes, released September 9, 2020, were recorded during a February 9 interview. On the day the tape was released, the United States totaled 6,549,475 cases and 195,238 deaths.

It goes through air, Bob. That’s always tougher than the touch. The touch, you don’t have to touch things, right? But the air, you just breathe the air and that’s how it’s passed. And so that’s a very tricky one. That’s a very delicate one. It’s also more deadly than even your strenuous flus…This is more deadly. This is 5% versus 1%, and less than 1%. So this is deadly stuff.

In a response the same day, Trump said he downplayed concerns to prevent panic and to act as a cheerleader for the nation.

During a press conference the following day, Trump blamed Woodward for not releasing the tapes sooner if he believed that COVID-19 would be dangerous.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, leading epidemiology expert in the United States, also said in February that there was not yet any need to change habits over COVID-19. However, while his option changed as cases spread throughout the nation, Trump continued to dismiss concerns.

On September 14, 2020, another tape was released of an April conversion:

This thing is a killer if it gets you. If you’re the wrong person, you don’t have a chance…so this rips you apart.

The New York Times – Trump Admits Downplaying the Virus Knowing It Was ‘Deadly Stuff’
Real Clear Politics – Dr. Anthony Fauci On February 29: At This Time There Is No Need To Change Your Habits Over Coronavirus
Vanity Fair – Trump: I Was Being a “Cheerleader” for the Country When I Lied About a Virus That Has Now Killed 190,000 Americans
Business Insider – Listen to Trump privately say in February that the coronavirus is ‘more deadly’ than the worst flu as he publicly lied about the threat
Worldometer – Coronavirus, United States