this is a great example.

authoritarians/autocrats around the world played *up* the danger of the virus and used the threat to consolidate power and strategically usurp the authority of parliaments, judiciaries, etc.

trump played down the virus because he most likely thought the 'panic' would have a negative effect on his re-election. and in turn...the failed administrative response still brought on fear and panic...cratered the economy...and became the #1 weapon used against him in his re-election. meanwhile the politicians who publicly treated the virus seriously saw their approval ratings soar and their political standings for re-election greatly increase.