President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus, as confirmed by the president, who tweeted out their diagnosis in the wee hours of Friday, October 2.
Later on Friday afternoon, CNN political correspondent Abby D. Phillip reported that Trump was heading to Walter Reed Medical Center. Phillip tweeted, “BREAKING: WH pool reports the President Trump is going to Walter Reed Medical Center shortly.” While people were unsure of what to make of this grave-sounding development, one of the president’s sons, Eric Trump, fueled further worry after asking his 4.1 million Twitter followers to join him in prayer.
Tagging his 74-year-old father, Eric Trump tweeted, “.@RealDonaldTrump is a true warrior. He will fight through this with the same strength and conviction that he uses to fight for America each and every day. I ask you to join me in praying for his recovery. I have never been more proud of someone and what they have had to endure.”
.@RealDonaldTrump is a true warrior. He will fight through this with the same strength and conviction that he uses to fight for America each and every day. I ask you to join me in praying for his recovery. I have never been more proud of someone and what they have had to endure.
Maggie Haberman of The New York Times reported that Trump’s visit to Walter Reed would not just be an overnight checkup. Haberman tweeted, “POTUS remaining for ‘few days’ at Walter Reed.” Haberman added in a follow-up tweet, “Two sources familiar with the plan say he’s expected to undergo tests.”
The president posted a video update on Twitter saying he was “going to Walter Reed Hospital.” He said, “I think I’m doing very well. We’re going to make sure things work out.”
On October 2, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump tweeted out prayers for her father and stepmother. She said, “Praying for the swift recovery of my father and Melania and for all those impacted by COVID-19. As they fight this together, the President will continue to fight for the people of this great country.”
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany Confirmed Trump Will Stay at Walter Reed for ‘Several Days’
GettyPresident Donald Trump walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on October 1, 2020, in Washington, D.C. His rally on October 2 was canceled but he may host virtual rallies in the future.
On Friday afternoon, AP White House reporter Jonathon Lemire tweeted, “WASHINGTON (AP) — White House: Trump to travel to military hospital after COVID-19 diagnosis, remain for ‘few days’ on advice of doctors.” The president was transported to Walter Reed via Marine One.
Marine One is at the White House and waiting to take Trump to Walter Reed hospital
NBC News reported that White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that “the move” to Walter Reed was “recommended by the president’s physician” and confirmed that Trump is expected to remain at the hospital “for several days.”
Trump Is Considered a High-Risk Patient for Coronavirus Due to His Age & Weight
GettyPresident Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Duluth International Airport on September 30, 2020, in Duluth, Minnesota.
On October 1, it was revealed that White House senior adviser Hope Hicks had tested positive for COVID-19. Donald Trump, 74, and Melania Trump, 50 were tested immediately afterward, as Hicks, his close aide, had traveled with the president on Air Force One to and from his debate in Cleveland on Tuesday and his Duluth, Minnesota, rally on Wednesday.
As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.
Hicks, 31, was showing symptoms of COVID-19, according to The Washington Post, and on Friday, Mark Meadows, the president’s chief of staff said that Trump has “mild symptoms.” The first lady also has mild symptoms, though Melania Trump tweeted that they were both “feeling good.” However, there’s a grave worry for the president’s health, as his age and weight automatically make him a high-risk patient.
According to the CDC, “Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications.”
Symptoms may not appear until two to 14 days after being infected with coronavirus, according to the CDC. While scientists are still studying the novel coronavirus, the most common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
.@cbsnews has learned Hope Hicks tested negative for COVID-19 Wednesday morning, so she boarded AF1. She developed symptoms during the day and received a second test, which came back positive. The White House knew about this Wed evening but Trump still had a fundraiser Thursday.
The night before Trump tested positive, the president led a rally in Duluth, Minnesota, where over 3,000 people were in attendance, including Hicks.
Two days earlier, on September 29, Trump debated former Vice President Joe Biden on stage without wearing a mask. During the presidential debate, except for the first lady, none of Trump’s family members wore masks despite the rules requiring them for all guests in attendance.
GettyEric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, daughter Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. ahead of the first presidential debate.
When Trump was asked during the debate why he doesn’t insist people wear masks to his rallies, “We’ve had no negative effect,” Trump said, “and we’ve had, 35 to 40,000 people at some of these rallies.”
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