Washington, April 13 (RHC)-- Former U.S. President Barack Obama has highlighted “racial” factors defining the COVID-19 victims.  Obama made the comment in a tweet on Monday, further calling for the protection of vulnerable communities.

“We can't deny that racial and socioeconomic factors are playing a role in who is being hit the hardest by the virus,” he tweeted.  “It’s a reminder for our policymakers to keep our most vulnerable communities at the forefront when making decisions.”

Coronavirus cases and deaths in the United States have further revealed the depth of the racial disparities in the country. 

The comment came amid the Trump administration’s highly criticized response to the pandemic along with his eagerness to reopen the country, fearing an economic recession.  Confusion in the White House was evident in its denial of President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, may be fired.

"This media chatter is ridiculous – President Trump is not firing Dr. Fauci,” deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said in a statement.  “Dr. Fauci has been and remains a trusted advisor to President Trump.”

Gidley failed to mention the tweet Trump had shared earlier along with the hashtag “#FireFauci."

Trump has recently stepped up attacks on what he calls the “Fake News” media mostly over criticizing his administration’s poor response to the fast-growing pandemic.