Live updates: Trump and first lady test positive for COVID-19
on
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Pence’s physician says the vice president is “free to go about his normal activities”
Vice President Mike Pence’s physician reiterated that the vice president has tested negative. He also deemed that the vice president has not been in close contact with anyone who tested positive, including the president, and is free to go about his business.
“Vice President Mike Pence remains in good health and is free to go about his normal activities,” Pence’s physician, Jesse Schonau, said in a memo.
Pence was pictured as coming into close proximity with Mr. Trump at an outdoor White House event on Monday, but the proximity was apparently not sustained long enough to be considered a close contact.
The note from Pence’s physician means the vice president will be free to campaign in the president’s stead across the country. He is scheduled to debate Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris next week.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a Make America Great Again event in Carter Lake, Iowa, Thursday, October 1, 2020.
Nati Harnik / AP
Intelligence community assessing any potential vulnerabilities due to Trump’s diagnosis
The intelligence community is continuing to assess any potential vulnerabilities with a stepped-up look at whether any adversaries may be seeking to take advantage of President Trump’s health in any way or trying to undermine the U.S. government, a U.S. intelligence source said. That includes looking into any false information placed on social media about the president’s health.
The U.S. intelligence community will also be working with allied nations’ intelligence services to collectively gain an understanding of what may be happening in the world as a result of the president’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
Notre Dame president who attended Barrett’s nomination tests positive
Reverend John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, announced on Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19 days after attending Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court at the White House last week. Barrett, who was nominated by Mr. Trump on Saturday, is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School.
Jenkins did not wear a mask during the event, and shook hands with several attendees. He sent a letter to students, faculty and staff that he was writing “to express my regret for certain choices I made that day and for failing to lead as I should have.”
“I regret my error of judgment in not wearing a mask during the ceremony and by shaking hands with a number of people in the Rose Garden. I failed to lead by example, at a time when I’ve asked everyone else in the Notre Dame community to do so,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins said he would self-quarantine “in accordance with University protocols.”
Trump campaign events are being postponed
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien said in a statement that all scheduled campaign events are “in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed.” All campaign events with the Trump family are also postponed.
“All other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we will make any relevant announcements in the days ahead. Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for COVID-19, plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events. Any further information about the President will come from the White House,” Stepien said.
Earlier on Friday, Stepien urged staffers who had been in contact with anyone who had contracted the virus to self-quarantine.
What is the protocol for Trump to return to in-person public events?
President Trump has canceled upcoming public appearances, but could he resume in-person appearances in time for the next presidential debate with Joe Biden on October 15 or before Election Day, on November 3?
The White House has not yet said what health benchmarks the president will have to meet, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidance for those who have been infected with COVID-19.
The CDC says individuals with symptoms should wait to be around others for “at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared” and not have a fever, without fever-reducing medication, for at least 24 hours. Any other symptoms of COVID-19 should also be improving.
All of those standards must be met in order for someone who knows they had COVID-19 and experienced symptoms to be around others. Mr. Trump is experiencing minor symptoms, a White House adviser said Friday.
For those who have suffered severe illness from COVID-19, health care providers may recommend staying isolated for longer than 10 days after the first symptoms appeared, up to 20 days, according to the CDC.
A patient may also be encouraged to undergo repeat testing for COVID-19. And those who want to end isolation early should receive two negative tests 24 hours or more apart.
Biden and Harris test negative for COVID-19
Both former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, have tested negative for COVID-19, their campaign announced. So have vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff.
Biden debated Mr. Trump in Cleveland, Ohio, Tuesday, although the two men did not shake hands on stage, a change in debate format given the pandemic.
“Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” said their physician, Kevin O’Connor. “I am reporting this out in my capacity as both Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden’s primary care physician.”
Biden will likely be tested again in the days ahead, since the virus’ incubation period is 2 to 14 days.
Chris Christie says he was tested for COVID-19
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who assisted President Trump in his debate prep ahead of the first debate on Tuesday, tweeted Friday morning that he has been tested again for the virus.
“I want to thank all who have called and texted in the last few hours to check on my health. I feel fine and have no symptoms. I was last tested for COVID on Tuesday (it was neg) and was tested this morning. No results until tomorrow. I will let you know the results from here,” Christie wrote.
I want to thank all who have called and texted in the last few hours to check on my health. I feel fine and have no symptoms. I was last tested for COVID on Tuesday (it was neg) and was tested this morning. No results until tomorrow. I will let you know the results from here.
Schumer and Feinstein call on Graham to postpone confirmation hearings
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on committee chair Lindsey Graham to postpone the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett in light of the president’s positive COVID-19 test.
“It is premature for Chairman Graham to commit to a hearing schedule when we do not know the full extent of potential exposure stemming from the president’s infection and before the White House puts in place a contact tracing plan to prevent further spread of the disease,” Schumer and Feinstein said. “The unfortunate news about the infection of our colleague Senator Mike Lee makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities, including hearings.”
Republican Senator Mike Lee announced on Friday that he tested positive for the virus. He and several other Republican senators attended the event at the White House last Saturday where Mr. Trump nominated Barrett for the Supreme Court. Barrett has tested negative for the virus.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and 7th U.S. Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, 48, walk into the Rose Garden before Trump announces Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court at the White House September 26, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
Getty Images
Senate Democrats have argued that the confirmation process for Barrett is illegitimate, as the Senate may be voting on her nomination ahead of the election. Graham has announced that he intends to hold confirmation hearings for Barrett in mid-October.
“It’s critical that Chairman Graham put the health of senators, the nominee, and staff first – and ensure a full and fair hearing that is not rushed, not truncated, and not virtual. Otherwise this already illegitimate process will become a dangerous one,” Schumer and Feinstein said.
N.J. governor says fundraiser attendees should “take full precautions”
President tweeted about his positive COVID-19 test result hours after hosting a fundraiser at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said contact tracing was underway Friday morning. He urged anyone who attended the event to get tested.
“We urge everyone who attended yesterday’s event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested,” he tweeted.
We urge everyone who attended yesterday’s event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested for #COVID19.
A senior Republican National Committee official said protective measures were taken at the fundraiser.
“Every guest was at least six feet from the president at all times,” the official said, and all attendees tested negative for COVID-19 on the day of the event.
“The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to the event,” the official said. “The White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service evaluated all attendees in order for them to gain access to the event.”
The health status of those in Trump’s orbit
The following is a running list of the people in President Trump’s orbit who have had recent contact with him or who meet regularly with him and have been tested – or are undergoing testing – for COVID-19 infection:
White House: Counselor to the president Hope Hicks: Tested positive on Thursday, October 1 Vice President Pence: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 Chief of staff Mark Meadows: Tested negative Friday, October 2 Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 Ivanka Trump: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 Jared Kushner: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said on Fox Business he tested negative on Friday, October 2
Others: Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett: The White House said in a statement that shetested negative on Friday, October 2 Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: Christie, who helped Mr. Trump with debate preparation, was tested Friday and awaits results Reverend John Jenkins: The president of the University of Notre Dame, who attended Barrett’s nomination at the White House has tested positive, according to the university Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Jordan said on “Fox & Friends” he will be tested on Friday Utah Senator Mike Lee: Attended Barrett’s nomination announcement and met with her this week. Tested positive Thursday, October 1 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: She said on MSNBC she was tested Friday and is waiting for results Barron Trump: First lady’s office said he tested negative on Friday, October 2 Debate moderator and “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace: He said he will be tested on Friday, October 2
Not in recent contact with Mr. Trump, but tested protectively: Attorney General Bill Barr: The Justice Department said he tested negative on Friday, October 2 Republican National Committee chairRonna McDaniel – tested positive on Wednesday, September 29 Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: He said in Croatia that he tested negative on Friday, October 2
-Kristin Brown
Joe and Jill Biden test negative for the virus
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the primary care physician for former Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, said in a statement that both tested negative for the virus on Friday.
“Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” O’Connor said.
At 77, Biden is in a particularly vulnerable demographic to contract the virus. He appeared on the debate stage with President Trump on Tuesday.
Senator Mike Lee tests positive days after visiting White House
Republican Senator Mike Lee tweeted on Friday that he has tested positive for the virus, a few days after visiting the White House.
He said he tested negative when visiting the White House, but after feeling symptoms on Thursday took another test “out of an abundance of caution.”
Lee said he will now remain isolated for 10 days “on the advice of the Senate attending physician.”
Lee, who is on the Judiciary Committee, said he will be back in time to approve Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
Lee met with Barrett, who has tested negative for the virus, earlier this week.
How Trump’s age and weight could put him at higher risk for severe infection
President Trump is experiencing minor coronavirus symptoms, a White House adviser said. But his age and weight could put him at risk of more severe illness.
The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die,” the CDC explains.
While people over 85 are most at risk and this age group has seen the highest rate of hospitalizations and deaths, people in the 65-74 and 75-84 age brackets also account for a large portion of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. Eight out of 10 COVID-19 related deaths U.S. have been people over the age of 65.
Mr. Trump is 74 years old, while the first lady is 50.
Obesity is also one of the factors that increases a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Obesity triples the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19.
During his 2019 physical, Mr. Trump, who is 6’3″, weighed in at 243 pounds and had a body mass index of 30.4, putting him just over the threshold that’s considered obese by the CDC. The president’s doctor said he was “in very good health overall.” At his most recent physical in June, his weight was 244 pounds — one pound heavier.
The CDC guidance explains obesity is linked to impaired immune function, and it decreases lung capacity and reserve and can make ventilation more difficult.
Melania Trump says she is experiencing mild symptoms
First lady Melania Trump tweeted late Friday morning that she is experiencing mild symptoms after testing positive for the coronavirus.
“Thank you for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery,” she tweeted.
Thank you for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery.
McConnell says Trump is in “good spirits” after phone call
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday morning he just finished a “great phone call” with Mr. Trump.
“He’s in good spirits and we talked business — especially how impressed Senators are with the qualifications of Judge Barrett. Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, & the country deserve,” McConnell wrote on Twitter, referring to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Mr. Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court.
McConnell said in a radio interview on Friday that he believed the coronavirus was the “biggest enemy” to Barrett’s confirmation.
“I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don’t anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate. And therefore everybody needs to be in ‘all hands on deck’ mindset,” McConnell said.
Trump campaign manager tells certain staff to self-quarantine
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien sent a letter to campaign staff on Friday telling them to self-quarantine if they had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
“Any campaign staffer who has had exposure to someone testing positive should immediately begin self-quarantine,” Stepien said in the letter.
Stepien said staffers who have not exhibited symptoms did not need to self-quarantine, but should still take precautionary measures such as wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.
“While some public events will be taken down, the campaign office remains open and our nationwide team will continue with our efforts to re-elect President Trump,” Stepien said.
Mr. Trump has appeared at several campaign rallies recently where there was limited social distancing and where masks were not required.
When asked about his crowded rallies during the first presidential debate on Tuesday, Mr. Trump noted that many of his events had been held outdoors, which is considered safer for group gatherings. However, the president has also held some events indoors in recent months.
-Nicole Sganga and Grace Segers
Trump is exhibiting minor symptoms of the virus
President Trump is experiencing minor symptoms of the virus, a White House adviser told CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid.
Reid was told the president would continue to carry out his duties as usual on Friday.
Trump joins growing list of virus-infected world leaders
President Trump has joined a growing group of world leaders who have been infected with the coronavirus. Some, like Mr. Trump, had been accused of not taking the pandemic seriously. A few are now sending Mr. Trump their wishes for a speedy recovery.
The first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19 was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, after facing criticism for downplaying the pandemic. Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, also tested positive in March and showed mild symptoms.
Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced in June that he had tested positive, along with two other people who worked closely with him. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced his illness in July and used it to publicly extol hydroxychloroquine, the unproven malaria drug that he’d been promoting as a treatment for COVID-19 and was taking himself.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, the vice president of India and several top officials in Iran are among others who have tested positive.
-CBS News and The Associated Press
Amy Coney Barrett tests negative for COVID-19
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, has tested negative for the virus. White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere told CBS News that Barrett is tested daily for the virus, and has tested negative.
According to Deere, she was last with the president on Saturday, when she was nominated by Mr. Trump.
Deere said Barrett is “following CDC guidance and best practices.” Barrett has met with dozens of senators, all Republican, in the week since she was nominated.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a radio interview Friday morning that he believed the coronavirus was the “biggest enemy” to Barrett’s confirmation.
“I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don’t anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate. And therefore everybody needs to be in all hands on deck mindset,” McConnell said.
-Sara Cook and Grace Segers
RNC chair tests positive for the virus
Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, has tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson confirmed to CBS News.
“After a member of her family tested positive for COVID-19, the Chairwoman was tested for the virus. On Wednesday afternoon, she got confirmation she was COVID-19 positive. She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday,” the spokesperson said.
Barron Trump tests negative for the virus
Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s chief of staff, told CBS News the president’s youngest son, Barron, has tested negative for the virus.
“Barron tested negative and all precautions are being taken to ensure he’s kept safe and healthy,” Grisham said in a statement.
Pelosi says Trump’s behavior was a “brazen invitation”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in an interview with MSNBC on Friday that she would “pray for the president’s family,” but said Mr. Trump’s decision to frequently go into public unmasked was a “brazen invitation.”
“Going into crowds unmasked and all the rest was sort of a brazen invitation for something to happen,” Pelosi said, adding that she hoped the president would now take “a saner approach to what this virus is all about.”
Pelosi said she was tested for the virus on Friday morning “out of an abundance of caution,” but has not yet received the results.
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump test negative for the virus
A White House official who works closely with Ivanka Trump at the White House said the president’s daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, have tested negative for the virus.
“.@IvankaTrump and Jared Kushner were tested again today for COVID-19 and both are negative,” Carolina Hurley wrote on Twitter.
.@IvankaTrump and Jared Kushner were tested again today for COVID-19 and both are negative.
This is a time for “maximum transparency,” says Major Garrett
It has “never been more important” for the White House to be fully transparent with the American people, chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett said on “CBS This Morning” hours after President Trump and the first lady tested positive for COVID-19.
“This is a time, whether this White House is prepared for it or not, for maximum transparency,” Garrett said Friday. “Everyone in the world wants to know what happened, why, how well the president is, what therapies, if any, he is taking, and how he’s doing.”
The president’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis has already sent shockwaves through global stock markets, with stock futures falling as analysts and investors worry over the severity of the president’s illness.
While it’s possible Mr. Trump has “a mild case and gets through this rather rapidly,” Garrett said, questions the White House “has to wrap its arms around” remain.
“The key is how did this happen, what is the contact tracing, what does that look like to the American public?” he asked. “How do you reassure rattled investors, how do you reassure allies, how do you tell others who wish us ill, ‘Don’t play with this because I’m fine, the president’s intact, and I’ll get better’?”
He said the White House would have to account for its “cavalier” attitude toward setting coronavirus protocols.
“There weren’t protocols — they were preferences. And the preference was not to social distance, not to wear masks, and that’s the problem,” Garrett said.
Azar tests negative for virus ahead of appearance before Congress
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Friday he has tested negative for COVID-19. He is appearing in person before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Friday morning about his agency’s response to the pandemic.
“Out of an abundance of caution I was tested for COVID-19 this morning and the result was negative. I will be testifying before Congress as scheduled,” he tweeted.
“Wishing @POTUS and @FLOTUS and all those with COVID-19 a swift and complete recovery.”
Out of an abundance of caution I was tested for COVID-19 this morning and the result was negative. I will be testifying before Congress as scheduled.
Wishing @POTUS and @FLOTUS and all those with COVID-19 a swift and complete recovery.
Biden says he will “pray for the health and safety of the president”
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, tweeted his get well wishes to the president and first lady on Friday morning.
“Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family,” Biden wrote.
Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.
RNC says there was social distancing at Thursday Bedminster fundraiser
A senior Republican National Committee official said protective measures were taken at a fundraiser in Bedminster, New Jersey, that Mr. Trump attended Thursday.
“Every guest was at least six feet from the president at all times,” the official said, and all attendees tested negative for COVID-19 on the day of the event.
“The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to the event,” the official said. “The White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service evaluated all attendees in order for them to gain access to the event.”
Biden expected to be tested for COVID-19 Friday morning
Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to be tested for COVID-19 this morning, a source familiar confirms to CBS News. This testing would not be irregular for Biden as his presidential campaign has told CBS News that he gets tested every week.
World leaders react to Trump’s diagnosis
As world leaders and diplomats at the United Nations wake up to the overnight news that President Trump and the first lady have tested positive for COVID-19, waves of shock and sympathy are pouring in, putting arguments and politics aside. One of the first responses that came in was from the director general of the World Health Organization, the U.N.’s premier healthy agency dealing with the pandemic.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted “best wishes” for a full and speedy recovery.
“Get well soon” messages are being sent through Telegram and Twitter to the White House Friday morning.
The Kremlin says Russian president Vladimir Putin sent Mr. Trump a Telegram: “I hope that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also tweeted, saying: “Like millions of Israelis, Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery.”
A U.N. spokesperson told reporters Friday morning that “the Secretary-General sends his best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a quick and complete recovery.”
Pence press secretary says vice president and second lady tested negative
Devin O’Malley, the vice president’s press secretary, said in a tweet Friday morning that Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence tested negative for the virus.
“As has been routine for months, Vice President Pence is tested for COVID-19 every day. This morning, Vice President Pence and the Second Lady tested negative for COVID-19. Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery,” O’Malley wrote.
As has been routine for months, Vice President Pence is tested for COVID-19 every day. This morning, Vice President Pence and the Second Lady tested negative for COVID-19. Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery.
Global shares and U.S. stock futures have fallen after President Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The future contracts for both the S&P 500 and the Dow industrials dropped nearly 2% but were trading 1.2% lower several hours later. Oil prices tumbled about 3%.
Shares fell in Paris, Frankfurt, London and Tokyo. Many markets in Asia were closed for holidays.
The Nikkei 225 index shed strong early gains after the Tokyo Stock Exchange resumed trading Friday following an all day outage due to a technical failure.
Trump is “in good spirits,” official says
A senior White House official told CBS News that Mr. Trump was “in good spirits,” and noted that catching a COVID-19 infection “early helps to mitigate the situation.”
The official said it was “beneficial” that there have not been many people around the president, for contract tracing purposes.
However, Mr. Trump met supporters in person earlier on Thursday at a fundraising event, and held a rally with supporters in Minnesota on Wednesday night. On Tuesday he was in Cleveland, Ohio, for the first presidential debate.
When asked if there were others quarantining at the White House after the president and first lady’s positive tests, a senior White House official told CBS News that “contact tracing has been done and the appropriate notifications and recommendations have been made.”
Pence: “Karen and I send our love and prayers”
Vice President Mike Pence tweeted about an hour after Mr. Trump’s announcement, saying that he and second lady Karen Pence “send their love and prayers” to the president and first lady.
“We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania,” Pence wrote.
Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump. We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.
Pence is set to appear in the first vice presidential debate on October 7.
Statement from the president’s physician
The following is a statement from Sean P. Conley, physician to the president:
“I release the following information with the permission of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.
The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions. Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.”
Positive diagnosis comes two weeks before next scheduled debate
The positive diagnosis could not come at a worse time for Mr. Trump politically, only a month from the election and two weeks from the next scheduled presidential debate against former Vice President Joe Biden.
CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reported that administration officials had expressed surprise for weeks that the virus hadn’t been detected among White House officials, given Mr. Trump’s own unenthusiastic embrace of measures recommended by senior health officials.
The president has often flouting his own administration’s guidelines on social distancing, mask-wearing and not gathering in large groups.
Jiang said that while there was a “blip in time” when masks were mandated for White House staff if they were up and moving around the building, those measures have since “faded away.”
That’s of particular concern, Jiang noted, given that the list of people who have come into close personal contact with the president and first lady in recent days “is long, and it is filled with some of the most important people in the Trump administration.”
All except one of Trump’s event canceled
The president was scheduled to campaign in Florida on Friday and then across the western United States next week, but all of his events have been canceled except one — he was still expected to host a phone call on COVID-19 support for vulnerable seniors on Friday.
The phone call is scheduled for 12: 15 p.m. and is closed to the press.
Trump mocks Biden for wearing a mask frequently in debate
In his first debate with former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Mr. Trump defended his decision to often appear in public without a facial covering and mocked Biden for wearing “the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”
“I think masks are OK,” Mr. Trump said, when asked by moderator Chris Wallace why he typically appears in public without wearing a mask. He pulled out a mask from his suit jacket to show that he carried it with him.
“I put a mask on, you know, when I think I need it. Tonight is an example, everybody has had a test,” Mr. Trump said. “I wear a mask when needed. When needed, I wear masks.”
He then mocked Biden for wearing a mask every time he appears in public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear masks in public to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
“I don’t wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask,” Mr. Trump said, adding that Biden “could be speaking 200 feet away” and then “shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”
Chief of staff tests negative for COVID-19
News of the Trumps’ positive tests came just hours after it was reported that the president’s top aide Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has tested negative for the virus, a senior White House official told CBS News.
“The strength of the entire country is with President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a tweet, adding that Mr. Trump would “continue to put the People first!”
Comments
Post a Comment