The leader did everything he could to minimize the impacts of the virus in its early stages. His people, however, understood perfectly that he was far more interested in protecting his own political position than in their well-being. His efforts to control the narrative consequently failed.
Later on, he completely changed course and portrayed himself as a fearless virus buster. When the crisis passed, he inevitably took the credit for the “victory,” even though he was not entitled to it, and the economic impacts of the virus continued to linger.
Is it Trump or Xi? You decide.