Former federal emergency management agency (FEMA) administrator Craig Fugate swore, then stormed out of an appearance on live television.
Mr Fugate appeared on Katy Tur’s MSNBC show to debate the response to the coronavirus pandemic with Andy Slavitt, who is a former official in the Obama administration.
He argued on the show that states should be given greater control when it comes to tackling Covid-19, as they all had different needs.
“The myth of a single person in charge taking control and running this is a myth,” he said, during his appearance on Thursday. “This is going to be dealt with on the front lines and local and state levels, and each state is going to be addressing this unique to their systems.”
“I’ve always believed the best way the federal government can support governors is to get out of their way, get them funding, use CDC to give guidance.”
Mr Slavitt disagreed with Mr Fugate’s stance and said: “What your other guest is suggesting here is not helpful.”
He argued that a system was needed in order to keep track of the response, saying there needs to be “a great partnership between the federal and state government”.
Mr Fugate reacted to Mr Slavitt’s comments saying: “I don’t have time to listen to b******t people,” before storming off the set."
As the camera focused on Mr Slavitt, Ms Tur asked Mr Fugate if he would like to respond before saying: “I guess Craig has left.”
After being asked to respond to Mr Fugate’s exit, Mr Slavitt said: “I’m sure he’s working his hardest and trying his best. Everybody is. These are unprecedented times, so understandable that he’s frustrated.”
Mr Fugate later apologised to Ms Tur and MSNBC on Twitter, posting: “Dear @MSNBC, @KatyTurNBC At the point I’m not helping, time to step back. Never was good at the talking head thing anyway. This is too critical of a time to let emotions get in the way. My apologies to you and your audience.”
According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, upwards of 14,000 people have tested positive in the US. The death toll has reached at least 210.
The centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.
