Trump says catching virus was a blessing and promises free medication

In a video address in front of the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump told viewers that catching Covid- 19 was a “blessing from God” and vowed to make the experimental medicine he took free for all Americans.

Mr Trump said his illness had shed light on an experimental antibody cocktail that he tied to his recovery.

“I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it,” he said in the video posted on

Wednesday night. “This was a blessing in disguise.”

He said taking medicine made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals allowed him to experience first-hand how effective it could be.

The White House has not said if the president has tested negative for the virus.

Mr Trump, eager to revitalise his ailing re- election campaign two days after his discharge from a military hospital, repeatedly stressed how well he felt so far in his recovery from Covid-19.

“I want to get for you what I got,” he said. “And I’m going to make it free.”

It is not known when the video recording was made. Mr Trump said in the message that he had returned to the White House “a day ago”, suggesting he was speaking on Tuesday.

But his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, said the video was recorded earlier on Wednesday. The video’s release followed White House assurances that the 74- year- old president was back at the Oval Office on Wednesday, being briefed about economic stimulus talks.

A White House official said Mr Trump entered the office from the Rose Garden to avoid walking through the White House hallways and possibly exposing others to the coronavirus. Mr Meadows, who briefed Mr Trump in personal protective gear, said the White House was limiting access to the Oval Office.

Questions continue to be asked of Mr Trump’s recovery and when he might be able to return to normal activities, including campaigning.

The video was the president’s first appearance before a camera in nearly two days.

The White House has released only limited details about his condition and treatment.

Mr Trump is eager to revitalise his campaign, days after his discharge from a military hospital