Trump denies downplaying virus despite recording

Donald Trump waves after stepping off his helicopter on Tuesday night on returning to Washington from Philadelphia, where he denied downplaying the threat of the coronavirus (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Donald Trump has denied downplaying the threat of the coronavirus earlier this year, despite the existence of an audio recording of him stating he did just that.

Mr Trump participated in a televised town hall meeting on Tuesday with uncommitted voters, hosted by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, in a warm up two weeks before he faces Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the first presidential debate.