Progressives have ramped up their campaign demanding that broadcasters dump live coverage of President Trump’s highly watched daily coronavirus briefings — even as stunning news about the impact of the deadly virus is being shared.

“This is going to be a rough two-week period,” Trump said Tuesday night during a live briefing that CNN decided not to run. More than 100,000 Americans could die during the coronavirus epidemic, Trump said.

“I want every American to be prepared for the next two weeks ahead.”

Trump’s updates have become a partisan flashpoint as more than 12 million viewers tune in to seek information and guidance about the deadly disease. Outraged critics have pointed to Trump’s tweets boasting about his highly-watched updates and argue he’s downplayed the deadly disease.

The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a progressive political action committee, released a new ad Wednesday featuring U.S. Rep Ayanna Pressley, D-Dorchester, slamming Trump for spreading misinformation during his popular updates.

“It’s reckless and irresponsible and it is already costing people lives,” Pressley says. The 30-second spot comes after progressives collected more than 120,000 signatures this week in a petition aimed at pressuring networks like CNN and MSNBC to halt their coverage.

Trump certainly isn’t making many friends during the hours-long briefings. He’s repeatedly attacked reporters who criticize his response to the crisis.

“Why don’t you act in a little more positive?” Trump said to PBS NewHour reporter Yamiche Alcindor during the most recent clash. “Look, let me tell you something. Be nice. Don’t be threatening.”

But the briefings clearly offer important information regarding personal protective equipment, updated testing, and new guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of the virus from authorities such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Trump opponents are potentially angriest that the briefings have boosted his approval ratings by at least 5 points, with critics calling the updates a “daily campaign rally,” for the president.

Both MSNBC and CNN appeared to yield to the criticism Tuesday night, cutting away from Trump’s update as he released important new CDC guidelines and offered words of comfort.

“Our strength will be tested and our endurance will be tried,” Trump said after reporting that the disease could take more than 200,000 American lives if left unchecked. “This is the time for all Americans to come together and do our part.”