President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for the coronavirus. The president made the announcement early Friday on Twitter, just hours after announcing they had been tested.
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
The Trumps were tested for the virus after Hope Hicks, a senior aide to the president, tested positive late Friday. Trump called her diagnosis “Terrible!” and said he and the First Lady would “begin our quarantine process!”
Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
In a separate tweet, Melanie Trump wrote, “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.”
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.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 2, 2020
The President’s physician, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley confirmed the diagnosis in a letter released to the media around 1 a.m. Friday.
“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,” Conley wrote. “The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions.” He added, “Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any further developments.”
Memorandum from President @realDonaldTrump’s Physician pic.twitter.com/ujHUufQBln
— Judd Deere (@JuddPDeere45) October 2, 2020
As a 74-year-old, Trump is at higher risk of serious complications from the virus. The White House cleared the President’s schedule on Friday except for a phone call he was to host regarding COVID support for vulnerable seniors. He later asked Vice-President Pence to take his place on that call, according to national media reports.
Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, offered their support to the President and First Lady, tweeting, “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.”
President Trump was last seen in public on Thursday afternoon, returning to the White House after a fundraising trip to New Jersey. He did not appear ill, though he did not speak to reporters as he walked into his residence.
