Positive COVID test shock for President
US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in a stunning “October surprise” that has upended the 2020 election race.
Trump tweeted that he and the First Lady Melania had tested positive for COVID-19 and would now quarantine.
White House physician Dr Sean Conley said the pair was “both well” and that Mr Trump would continue working from the White House.
The pair was tested after one of his closest aides, Hope Hicks, was diagnosed on Thursday local time.
The shocking news comes just over a month ahead of the presidential election on November 3.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER,” Mr Trump tweeted close to 1am Friday, local time.
Mrs Trump said: “We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together”.
At 74 and overweight, Mr Trump is considered to be an at-risk patient of the coronavirus. But former White House physician Ronny Jackson said he believed Mr Trump would make a quick recovery.
“He’s in a great position physically to weather this. I think there are lots of people out there his age who do very well with this, who don’t have the comorbidities, and he doesn’t,” said Dr Jackson on Fox News.
A former Navy Rear Admiral, Dr Jackson said the diagnosis had “national security implications”.
“But we just have to reassure the world that the President is still the President,” he said.
Vice President Mike Pence, who would assume power if Mr Trump was unable to serve, met with Mr Trump in the Oval Office earlier this week.
“Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends,” Mr Pence said on social media. “We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.”
Hours before Mr Trump revealed his diagnosis he spoke on Fox News about Ms Hicks’ illness.
“I just went out for a test … it will come back later I guess, and the First Lady also because we spend a lot of time with Hope,” he said.
Ms Hicks was reportedly suffering from symptoms but Dr Jackson said the Trumps were asymptomatic.
Dr Conley said the Trumps were feeling well and that they would quarantine at the White House.
Mr Trump attended an indoor fundraiser on Thursday and had not worn a mask.
He travelled to Tuesday’s debate aboard Air Force One with family members including son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and his adult children were unmasked in the Cleveland crowd.