In Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong demonstrated strong alignment with all six CERC principles. He communicated promptly and consistently (Be First), providing accurate, science-based information supported by health authorities (Be Right). His calm, transparent demeanor enhanced credibility and public confidence (Be Credible). Lee also expressed empathy toward citizens’ anxieties, acknowledged frontline workers’ efforts, and called for social unity (Express Empathy). His messages included clear behavioral guidance, such as hygiene practices and social distancing (Promote Action), and were delivered respectfully in multiple languages to reach all communities (Show Respect). Consequently, Singapore’s communication strategy fostered public trust and compliance.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump’s public addresses showed partial adherence to the CERC principles. Although he communicated early in the pandemic (Be First), his messages were often inconsistent or factually disputed (Be Right), which weakened public trust (Be Credible). Empathy and respect were inconsistently conveyed, with politicized rhetoric overshadowing reassurance (Express Empathy, Show Respect). Furthermore, conflicting statements regarding preventive measures, such as mask use and testing, undermined public understanding and compliance (Promote Action). These gaps reflected limited integration of the CERC framework into national communication efforts.

Overall, Singapore’s leadership demonstrated a comprehensive application of CERC principles, resulting in clear, credible, and empathetic communication. The United States’ approach, by contrast, suffered from inconsistency and diminished credibility, which weakened public confidence and adherence to health measures. This comparison highlights the importance of consistent, transparent, and empathetic communication in managing public behavior and trust during health emergencies.