record breaking covid cases in the u.s. states are stopping plans to reopen, as the president praises the government response. no one welcome from the e.u. for travelers. as the u.s. faces two crises, one on health and one on race, president trump signs on

executive order, protecting statues that many conservatives cherish. i'm natalie allen. "cnn newsroom" begins right now. we begin with this. the united states has reached a milesto milestone. the death toll since february, now 125,000 and climbing. all adds up to remarkable progress, according to mike pence. the leader of the coronavirus task force, greeted reporters on

friday with a string of makebelieve accomplishments. >> as we stand here today, all five territories across this country are opening up safely and responsibly. >> that's simply not true. the virus is gaining ground in six states. 11 governors are putting the brakes on reopening any further er. two have sounded a retreat. the vice president seemed oblivious. >> the truth is, we slowed the spread. we flattened the curve. >> the u.s. never flattened the curve. it was bumpy during the lockdowns, but now, it's roaring back.

leave it to dr. fauci to deliver the medicines to a reluctant nation. >> to opening for some, but opening at the right time. but not following the steps in an orderly fashion. trying to follow the steps. but the citizenry feel they did not want to do that for a number of reasons. >> more, now, on the vice president's jaw-dropping briefing with our nick watt. >> as we see new cases rising, and we're tracking them carefully, there may be a tendency of the american people is a think we are back to the place we were two months ago. the reality is, we're in a better place. >> but yesterday, we saw more new cases in this country. >> all 50 states are opening up our country. people are going back to work.

>> no mention of the 11 states that are causing or rolling back reopening. >> we have an exponential rise in many places and we're not locked down. >> at noon, in texas, the bars were ordered to close once more. houston is recommending people stay home again. >> we opened up too fast, too soon. we had a 7% increase in the last 30 days. >> in texas, there's more patients and covid patients in the hospital than ever before. >> are these restrictions too late snchl are they enough? >> in florida, fewer than 1,000 new case s recorded. they outlined alcohol in bars

again. they will find anyone who won't wear one, hoping that helps. >> we don't want to go back and redo some of the openings. but you can't discuss that option as a possibility. >> some of the north-east states hit hard early, now hoping toville modified classrooms. >> today, the. pointed out half half of the case are under 35. >> that's, at a certain level, encouraging news. >> maybe, they suffer less but rose more. >> we have seen the progressive decline in deaths. >> that may be true. but some a, just wait. >> we know the deaths will follow the big resurgence and

the number of cases. >> those cases are rising at record rates, at florida, texas, california, the three most populous states in virginia. the governor is telling one country, they need to return to a safe at home order. and some are saying that a reopening planned for monday, is now on hold. the task force briefing on friday was not the only one in two months. it wasn't even held at the white house. it was at the department of health and human services. the group initially met daily but its savings were limited a few weeks ago. it was full of contradictory and spin. >> watching that press briefing, did feel like an alternate

reality. if you look at the graphic, we can see how much things have changed. the numbers are going up. now, at the highest level they've been, with new insections. i think when you have a task force meeting, they would address these plans forward. this wasn't any of that. it was more of the minimizing of the current state of affairs. vice president saying that eight states have put the pause on and will be opening up. that's not true. there was a downturn for a little bit. but the lowest number of cases in this country, about 17,000

cases at june 1st. that's the best they can do. they greatly expanded the testing. whatever the testing is, it's not enough in this country. if you look at the road maps to tests. they talk about 5,000 tests per day. and the idea of testing has caused some flash points, even in the coronavirus reporting. there's been a lot of criticism for no test. the concern is middle end of june, we don't have enough testing. we don't have enough antigen testing. and i think there's a lot of frustration among task force members that that hasn't

happened. the first task force briefing in over two months. and what we were left with was a spin, trying to paint a rosier picture in the united states. and sadly, no new plans going forward. joining me now is mohammed vivire from england. >> good morning. >> one expert likened the situation in the u.s. as a four-alarm fire. the administration remains tone deaf. how does the u.s. put out the fire? >> yes, absolutely. the number is going up and up again.

and tipping the scale that was never seen during the pandemic. that's premature, and mixed messages, including the element and the researcher. at this point, the point is to revisit the whole scenario, going back in the staid and ramping up there. i know the icu would be under immense pressure. i think the good point is that is probably more than in the first place. from the beginning, the united states has lagged behind in testing. is it too late to ramp up? >> not really. every time there's a new cluster

or emergency, it's never been for the testing capabilities. now, that a number of creases are testing, i think it is an emergent need to reintroduce the scenario. and learning from the previous experience, as we know. in the beginning, there is a few glimpses into the testing. so, certainly, there's a great need and probably the most important time, now, to really test and isolate people before it comes into the situation where the u.s. has been before. >> you say that just days after president trump said is less testing. i want to talk to you about what a doctor said. they are days away.

tell us what hospitals will be up again. >> i don't see any means that the testing will be reduced. yes can test less testing. deses are there to identify how much the infection is there. if the infection is there, it would be detected and if not, it would not. the hospitalizations and the capabilities, this is a grim situation. every effort should be put in place. this is the only situation that africa has done better than america. it would be a shame if the coronavirus would go out of control in the second wave. >> what do you make of this administration's blaze attitude

wearing masks? >> certainly, that's another information that's confused people in from beginning. at the government leviefl, it's chance to advise or meditate. i'm not in a position to take them off. between this and the politician, the public has been in that critical stage. and now, even, according to my information, some states are positive to have the mask, while others are not. that's the role to really make a unanimoanimouses ca decision th countries in a certain

situations, has to work with us. >> that's another challenge in a country with every states and every state is going its own way on this. >> look for the bright spot here. talk about the games that people have a better chance of getting sick in the united states? >> yes. quite a lot, we have learned about sitting in the six, seven months in this pandemic. what are the treatments that have been working. now, we have two drugs that are relatively better. remdesivir, that's a little bit to catch. but we can continue on it needing it. the ventilators are more back, critical, shortage.

learning from the previous experien experiences. it is good size that we can count on. >> muhammad munir, we appreciate your time and expertise. thank you very much. the coronavirus is factoring into a critical ruling by a u.s. judge on the detention of migrant children. the judge says children in family dissension centers must be released by mid jewel because of the virus. they will go with parents if possible, but if not, custens and immigration enforcement must place them with a supervisor or play them in a covid-free setting. ahead on cnn newsroom, the european union may not be the place to be for travelers this summer.

our public health capacity is strained or exceeded. health care surge is not only

likely but already in progress. this is a serious situation. we cannot let this moment pass without action. >> harris county texas judge there. the situation is dire. officials are taking drastic action to slow the spread of the virus. in the past 4 days, the stit conficoit confirmed thousands of cases. alexandra field has more from us from houston. >> major turnaround in texas, as cases soar. governor abbot, one of the first to open back up are reeling it back. houston is now a hot spot.

some local officials want the governor to do more. >> there's no evidence out there to show that any short of the state-at-home order needs to be done. we have 10 to 30 days to go at capacity. >> here in harris county, the third-largest, the covid system is raised to a level, severe. a strain on testing and tracing. and a recommendation for people to stay home. hospitalizations have been climbing since june. >> we see a trend towards a younger population. in our community testing and being admitted to our hospitals. >> some health officials blame the state's reopening. >> it was a layered effect. had restaurants at some percentage. then, gyms and hair salons. and then, bars, mother's day.

on top of that, memorial day. and the marches, and you have had other graduations. >> a pop-up hospital could soon reopen in the nrg center. >> this virus is out of control in houston. if we don't act to get it under control. extremely bad things will happen. sickness, death, our economy progressively getting shut in. >> a city that thought the worst was behind them, facing a greater challenge. alexander field, cnn, texas. americans hoping to take a post-lockdown holiday in europe this summer, might end up disappointed. tralers from the u.s. is likely not to get into the e.u.

we get more about it from kylie atwood. >> reporter: most travelers from the united states, are unlikely to visit the e.u. when they open up to the international trave r traveletravele travelers next month. this was made by the ambassadors from the e.u. to their countries. this is effectively a reflection of the exact the united states has a growing number of coronavirus cases. one of the things they looked at, was the rate of coronavirus cases in these countries. that's why they decided that the u.s. was one of the countries where they would keep travelers from being able to visit the e.u. countries. another country to keep travelers out from, it's russia.

there's a host of companies that can visit the e.u. mike pompeo had been talking with his counterparts all around the world, including in the e.u., to determine safe travel protocol. and he acknowledged that the u.s. didn't want to create problems elsewhere. kylie atwood, cnn, the state department. let's talk more about it. selma adelaziz. good morning, selma. this move by the e.u. is quite extraordinary. it could have an impact many, many ways. >> that's right, natalie. and it is extraordinary. but it is unlikely, simply put. it's very unlikely that u.s. travelers will be playing out in

the united states right now. u.s. chances are close to zero with infection rates. you heard earlier, we have gotten reaction from the state department on this, essentially saying, that they appreciate the transparency from the e.u., and look forward to working together. a big statement, making it seem that the united states believe there is a door for negotiations. this criteria has yet to be passed. it's a matter of passing those points on the checklist. it will be facts and numbers. this is a health decision and not a political one. once the rules are in place, you have no exceptions. you have an american president that believes in exceptionalism. he may perceive this as a

political decision. >> could very well do that. what are the potential economic indications of this decision? >> they could be huge. and mike pompeo elited for the crew, was to pulley reintegrate with the economy. this is not just about tourism, but also the united states is one of the e.u.'s largest tourism. there's massive financial implications. but e.u. officials are not willing to risk lives for economic gain. they are not willing to risk a second spike in the virus to reopen economies to the united states. yes. while americans will be leaning

on that coordination, that will not be considered an exception. and if you don't check the boxes on that checklist, you won't be allowed into the e.u. >> that shows the spiral that this virus continues to have on the united states. selma, thank you so much. the white house coronavirus task force held its first public briefing for weeks on friday. but the rosey spin left health experts baffled. a closer look after this. it's time for the lowest prices of the season on the sleep number 360 smart bed.

can it help keep me asleep ? absolutely, it senses your movements and automatically adjusts to keep you both comfortable. it's our weekend special, the queen sleep number 360 c4 smart bed is only $1,299. plus 0% interest for 60 months ends sunday. i'm a talking dog. the other issue. oh...i'm scratching like crazy. you've got some allergic itch with skin inflammation. apoquel can work on that itch in as little as 4 hours, whether it's a new or chronic problem. and apoquel's treated over 8 million dogs. nice. and...the talking dog thing? is it bothering you? no...itching like a dog is bothering me. until dogs can speak for themselves, you have to. when allergic itch is a problem, ask for apoquel. apoquel is for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs. do not use apoquel in dogs less than 12 months old or those with serious infections. apoquel may increase the chance of developing serious infections and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to worsen. do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. feeling better? i'm speechless. thanks for the apoquel. aw...that's what friends are for. ask your veterinarian for apoquel next to you, apoquel is a dog's best friend. iredefined the wordng th'school' this year. it's why, at xfinity, we're committed to helping kids keep learning through the summer. and help college students studying at home stay connected through our university program. we're providing affordable internet access to low income families through our internet essentials program. and this summer, xfinity is creating a virtual summer camp

for kids at home- all on xfinity x1. we're committed to helping all families stay connected. learn more at xfinity.com/education. welcome back to our viewers here in the u.s. and around the

world. i'm natalie allen. you're watching cnn newsroom. with coronavirus infections rapidly rising, the white house coronavirus task force on friday, held its first public briefing in almost two months. vice president mike pence addressed reporters and painted a rosie picture of the administration's efforts to stem the crisis. but the facts don't back up his assessment. since the last task force briefing in late april, the new case numbers dipped slightly and then went up and up. now, alarming spikes are being reported in multiple states. here's jim acosta. >> reporter: with covid-19 sweeping across the south and out west, the white house task force reemerged. vice president mike pence appeared to be looking at the soaring number of cases through rose-colored glasses. >> all 50 states across this country are opening up safely

and responsibly. we slowed the spread. we flattened the curve. we saved lives. >> reporter: that's not exactly true, as a spike of cases is spreading, in florida to california, causing some states to pause reopenings. dr. anthony fauci added a dose of reality. >> everything from opening up too early for some, to opening at the right time, but not only following the steps in an orderly fashion, to trying to follow the steps in an ordinary fashion. but the citizenry did not feel they wanted to do that for a number of reasons. >> fauci wanted to appeal to americans to do more. >> you have an individual responsibility to yourself. you have a societal responsibility. >> reporter: it was the first task force news conference in two months with a change of scenery, as officials address the pandemic at the department of health and services instead

of the white house. >> i've seen disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute. >> reporter: the briefings came to a screeching halt when the president suggested that americans use disinfectant. at campaign events like the rally in tulsa, pence tried to dance around the question. >> we want to give people the treatment to participate in the political process. >> how can you say the campaign isn't part of the problem? >> in a health crisis, people don't forfeit their rights. >> people ought to listen to state and local authorities. >> reporter: joe biden said he would try to mandate masks. >> i would insist that someone in public wear that mask. if they walked into a building, they had a mask. >> reporter: the administration is considering halting the spread that would have pool

testings. that would have health officials testing samples from groups. if the pool is negative, the whole group is likely safe. as the president downplays the testing, he is struggling to lay out what he would do if he had won re-election. never answering the question on fox. >> what are your top priority items for a second term? what will be really great, is there's more experience. >> there's no second-term message, beyond his own previ s grievances and may need a nickname for joe biden. when the president attacked biden's gaffes, he had one of his own, appearing to say the vice president would win the race. >> i mean, the man can't speak and he's going to be president because some people don't love me maybe. all i'm doing is doing my job. >> reporter: in the middle of a

pandemic and a recession, the pru trump administration is trying to overturn obamacare. many were able to obtain coverage through obamacare. the president hasn't said what he would do to replace obamacare if it's overturned. let's talk about the administration response with natasha lynindstadt. good morning to you, professor. thanks for coming on. >> thanks for having me. >> 32 states are moving in the wrong direction. the e.u. is looking at blocking travelers because of that. and the vice president says, quote, here in a much stronger place. is the trump administration being honest with the american people? what do you make of their stance? >> they seem to be completely in denial. it sounded like two different

press conferences. the one by medical experts like dr. anthony fauci, and one by vice president mike pence, who is remaining very loyal to the president and towing the line here that everything is getting better and we are flattening the curve. it's clear to anyone that can see that the curve is not flattening. and he made the statement that states are going to be reopening, when they're going to have to make reversals. we had huge spikes in cases like florida and texas. and georgia and texas are deciding they have to step back on their efforts to reopen, because the cases are going out of control again. it's as if the trump administration is not aware of this. and one of the more interesting exchanges that was highlighted, was this idea that pence feels that our individual freedoms are more important than protecting others from the virus. a reporter was questioning him about going against local health

officials, in some of these campaign rallies. and he said it's about our individual freedoms and protecting the first amendment. this would be contradicted by fauci, who says it's all about social responsibility and protecting our community. there seems to be a disconnect between the medical experts and the trump administration. >> do you think the administration is purposely acting unfazed because it's an election year and they want to present -- try to present national crisis? everything is all right here. >> that's what trump is trying to do. create a narrative to have a comeback. there's been missteps on the way they handle this. they didn't test and trace extensively in the beginning. i know they are testing more now. they didn't shut down things early enough. and they reopen too soon.

and there wasn't a central response. there's not much to brag about here. what's left is trying to portray, you know, fantastic optimism about what's going to happen and we're doing well and great. basically to ignore the realities. we can see the cases are spiking and not going down. we can see, in comparison to other countries, we're doing comparatively, much worse. >> with all that's on this president's plate right now, when asked by fox news, what his top priority items are for a second term, again, this was his answer. >> what are your top priority items for a second term? >> one of the things that will be really great, and the experience is so good. i said that talent is an

important term. >> can you tell what the intent of that answer was there? >> i can't make much sense of it. trump hasn't really come up with much of a plan, how he's going to get us out of that mess. we have a pandemic going on. he tried to get the supreme court to strike down on the affordable care act. one thing that can protect americans with pre-existing conditions, in response to all of the tensions going on, in light of the protests and the aprosties from the past and current, that are continuing, that african-americans face. he decided to sign an executive order to protect moon yumts in a militaryized way. there's been very little action. there's not much of a plan. i don't know what he's trying to communicate to the public with that past statement.

it's muddled. and it reflects that he doesn't have a lot of policy experience. this is hasn't that's known by populous leaders. when they have to govern, they don't have much to offer because they lack the experience that is needed to effectively lead a country. >> that's was apparent in that answer, wasn't it. you mentioned an executive order to protect monuments that are important to conservatives. you also mentioned, he's asking the supreme court to overturn obamacare at this precarious time in our country. it just point, again, to one solid thing for his administration. his playbook doesn't change. but polls indicate, that playbook isn't working. >> right. and i think his campaign team needs to switch things up a bit and clarify a message that would resonate with people that supported him in the beginning, that would be about lowering

taxes and being favorable to businesses and small businesses. that's what he's talking about. instead, pushing for the supreme court, to undo obamacare, is vindictive and not sensitive to what most americans are going through, given we're in the midst of a pandemic. and the push for the monuments to be protected, that only serves the pace. that's not what the majority of the country really wants. these are historical monuments that we can associate with a negative period in our history. and momentum is pushing for these to be taken down. he seems really out of touch with the pulse of what's going on with the majority of the country and seems to be really only able to cater to a rapidly dwindling base. >> we appreciate your insights, natasha lindstaedt. thanks for your time. >> thanks for having me. facebook is promising

tougher action on hate speech, after an advertiser has threatened the bottom line. the social media giant has been critical on inaction on trump posts. but on friday, ceo mike zuckerberg said facebook will label controversial content and tighten policies. here's a quote. we want to inhibit the divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that's been used to sow discord. these are other companies that have pulled their facebook ads. one called zuckerberg's comments 11 minutes of wasted opportunity. some americans think wearing a mask restricts their rights. >> no matter the circumstance. >> no matter the circumstance. it should be up to you. you're right.

>> freedom vrgs public health, where coronavirus is on the rise. why things are looking grim in the sunshine state. what happened daddy?

well, you see here... there's a photo of you and there's a photo of your mommy and then there's a picture of me. but before our story it goes way, way, way back with your great, great, great grandparents. see this handsome man, his name is william. william fell in love with rose and they had a kid. his name was charles and charles met martha... isn't she pretty? yeah. isn't she pretty? my skin gets so tired. this new olay serum feels so dewy, and hydrated... gives my skin an extra boost of life. it's full of energy. it finally matches me. i'm denise bidot, and my skin is powerful. and i can face anything with my olay.

we see our hospitalizations go up, our icu beds go up, our ventilators are going up. still with sufficient capacity, but going up. it's worrisome. >> miami's mayor there, francis suarez, on the growing numbers in florida, as he made wearing face masks in public mandatory. the state reported almost 9,000 new cases, bringing the total number to almost 123,000 and deaths to more than 3,300. democratic congressman james clyburn appealed for people to wear masks. >> i grew up believing that the first sign of a good education

is good manners. i think it's good manners. to look out for your fellow people. all of the staff is wearing masks. >> reporter: cnn's miguel marquez has more of what's going on in florida. >> reporter: the sunshine state, in a state of crisis. the number of coronavirus infections climbing at alarming rates, with florida reporting nearly 9,000 new cases. its highest single day to date. cities like holywood, demanding that masks be worn in public, even outdoors, except for exercising. >> i think of the safety for everybody, especially with numbers rising here, just do it. it's selfish not to. >> i think you should. >> no matter the circumstances. it should be up to you. it's your right.

wear it or not to wear it. >> reporter: you could give it to someone and it could kill them. >> that's horrible. i mean, that's life. at this point, i could also give someone the common cold. i can also give someone the flu. right? >> except those maybe don't have as high a death rate. >> i think it's a little overrated. >> reporter: while some see government mask orders as infringing on their rights, officials here, once confident they had beat the cvirus, are scrambling to contain it. statewide, 13% of those tested came back positive. in o ceo la county, 23% positive. in miami-dade county, 14% positive, and broward, 14%

positive. >> we're doing this. the gating criteria, is supposed to be going downward. as long as you maintain and go downward, you can keep reopening. right now, it's a cause. >> reporter: paused on the first stage of reopening. the mask order is a good thing, she says, because it protects me, my employees and my customers. as wearing a mask has become increasingly political, driven largely by the president and his handling of the crisis, even some supporters are beginning to question his judgment and their vote. >> if you had asked me five months ago, i would say give it to jump. he handled everything right. >> now -- >> because of the pandemic? >> the pandemic, and also, the life matters and all that happens now. it's complicated now. >> the governor of florida, ron

des dedesantis, saying two things. for the most part, it's younger people that they are seeing test positive in recent suggesting it's not as serious because he can give it to older people. and it can make them very ill or kill them. they're only seeing more positive cases because they're doing more testing. while that makes sense on some level, remember, this is the percentage of positive cases. whether it's 100 or 100,000 people being tested, that rate of positivity is going up at a very, very sharp rate. the governor not ringing the alarm bell here. but many cities and counties across the state of florida, see this as a public health crisis. back to you. will the united states add a 51st star to its flag? we'll have that story next. want to brain better? unlike ordinary memory supplements, neuriva has clinically proven ingredients that fuel five

indicators of brain performanc: memory, focus, accuracy, learning, and concentration. try our new gummies for 30 days and see the difference. we were paying an arm and a leg for postage. i remember setting up shipstation. one or two clicks and everything was up and running. i was printing out labels and saving money. shipstation saves us so much time. it makes it really easy and seamless. pick an order, print everything you need, slap the label onto the box, and it's ready to go. our costs for shipping were cut in half. just like that. shipstation. the #1 choice of online sellers. go to shipstation.com/tv and get 2 months free. shipstation. the #1 choice othis is the sound of greatness

(speaking german badly) no shortcuts no magic stars (speaking spanish badly) (speaking french badly) being great means being pretty bad for a while and soon you'll be something else (speaking german perfectly) speaking a new language rosetta stone how language is learned

for the same medications as the vet, but up to 30 percent less with fast free shipping. visit petmeds.com today. for the first time, the u.s. house of representatives has gone on record voting to make washington, d.c. america's 51st state. but will it happen?

here's cnn's tom foreman. ♪ >> reporter: cue the fireworks and patriotic music, just in time for independence day. washington, d.c. is closer than ever before to becoming a state. >> the district of columbia statehood bill is passed. >> reporter: proponents are thrilled. >> for three generations, my family has been denied rights others take for granted. >> reporter: hold on. supporters of statehood faces a long, hard road. the constitution says d.c. should be a neutral ground, where lawmakers from all states can meet and govern. the new proposal would carve out the center of d.c. for that purpose. but critics aren't swallowing that doughnut. >> washington, d.c.'s status as the capital of the united states, is exactly as our founders intended. >> reporter: second, the balance of power.

the 23rd amendment gave d.c. the right to vote in presidential contests. but statehood would have a region of voting and two senators. many republicans don't want that. and many democrats find the opposition really offensive. >> people shouldn't say to us, we're too urban, we're too black, we're too liberal. and we have to justify our american citizenship and representation. >> reporter: and third, demographics? when it was pointed out that wyoming has fewer residents than d.c., republican senator tom cotton said, yeah, but those wyoming folks are loggers, minors, and destruction workers. if statehood were approved, the initials would be d.c., for douglas commonwealth, a salute to frederick douglas, former slave, abolitionist.

but the senate and white house have vowed to stop the latest effort. meaning all of the proponents who have waited many years will still have to wait at least a little longer. politically, that is the state of things. tom foreman, cnn, washington, d.c. i'll be right back with another hour of cnn newsroom.

the white house is painting a rosy picture of how coronavirus is being handled, but the soaring numbers tell a very different story. if you were hoping to travel from the