evidence: Donald Trump attempted to link the coronavirus outbreak to Democratic immigration policies, labeling Democratic attacks on his handling of the crisis a "new hoax" in a rambling speech in South Carolina, the night before the state’s crucial Democratic primary. In a packed rally in North Charleston, Trump defended his administration’s handling of the outbreak. He accused the Democrats of "politicizing the coronavirus", calling it "their new hoax" after the Russian investigation and impeachment. "We are doing everything in our power to keep the infection and those carrying the infection from entering the country. We have no choice," Trump said at the Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. "Whether it’s the virus that we’re talking about, or the many other public health threats, the Democrat policy of open borders is a direct threat to the health and wellbeing of all Americans." [...] Trump’s comments come as his administration moved to establish a point person to coordinate the country’s response to the outbreak. On Wednesday, Trump said vice-president Mike Pence would lead the administration’s response. Later, Pence said he had picked Dr Deborah L Birx, who runs the country’s efforts to fight HIV and Aids, to lead the response to the coronavirus. Alex Azar, the health and human services secretary, is also taking a leading role.