I definitely got the feeling that Trump beat them at their game on many different matters concerning covid. Always remember, Trump owns the downside with every deal. His losing position is still a winning position. Always.
That might explain some of the irrationality and insanity we're seeing. It's not panic. It's them boxed in a corner and not having any winning move(s). We get to watch them destroy themselves.
Actually, the scary part may be that the only remaining moves would be to expose themselves and fight in the open. They are certainly capable of killing a few hundred million in a single blow if they have to.