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Trump and first lady test positive for COVID-19

128 Comments
By ZEKE MILLER and JILL COLVIN

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I think this is a hoax.

0 ( +38 / -38 )

The level of irresponsibility is mind boggling.

They knew she wasn’t well for 2 days and did nothing!!!!

40 ( +53 / -13 )

The President takes the health and safety of himself 

That is the only truthful part of the statement. trump hides in his bunker, gets everyone around him tested.... He doesn’t care about others.

Bet he is freaking out now.........

36 ( +51 / -15 )

So cool.

12 ( +22 / -10 )

mocheake:

I think this is a hoax.

"I really don't care. Do U?

36 ( +43 / -7 )

The difference is she has fully-funded healthcare. Good luck to the rest of you.

33 ( +42 / -9 )

Now that it's hit home, covid will go to the top of Don's list

10 ( +17 / -7 )

I hope this is not used as an excuse for him to pull out of the debates! Or some other nefarious excuse!

18 ( +26 / -8 )

Well, as with anyone who has this virus, I hope she fights it off and doesn't have any permanent effects....

But what can you expect when your boss says to Woodward in Feb and Mar that the virus is a "killer", "deadly", "highly contagious", "it's like the plague".....

But tells everyone else "it's just the flu", and then holds 19 campaign rallies with no masks or social distancing...

Trump may be a wartime President - just call him President Benedict Arnold...

21 ( +29 / -8 )

You know what they say, karma is a....

31 ( +37 / -6 )

Unfortunately it might take more from the 'elite' class getting sick for their fellow 'elite' to get more aggressive in dealing with Covid45.

Up to this point it's been people the 'elite' consider expendable, i.e. those from the lower ends of the economic spectrum, especially Hispanics, Blacks and Natives, who've been hit hardest. They're people the 'elite' care two nothings about.

But then it could be the Trumps of the 'elite' don't even care about individuals like Hicks. After all he and others like him have shown they only care about themselves.

13 ( +20 / -7 )

I wonder whether the man-child getting the 'flu' himself will be the October surprise!

18 ( +28 / -10 )

I wonder whether the man-child getting the 'flu' himself will be the October surprise!

I'm wondering the same thing....

Trump knows he's down in all the polls, his debate performance was abysmal, he can't start any "wag the dog" wars since he's the "bring the troops home President", so what's left to try to gain some sympathy in the next 30 days...

It's the typical crass, transparent, con-man stunt he's known for...

One thing it will validate though, HCQ doesn't work...

21 ( +30 / -9 )

lol

13 ( +20 / -7 )

I can just imagine the massive cover-up operation that will go into effect if the man-child gets Covd45 before Election Day.

12 ( +21 / -9 )

She’ll be ok, take some meds, get some rest and in two weeks she’ll bounce back. She’s a strong women.

-39 ( +10 / -49 )

I do hope she, as well as all Americans who have been infected recover. Yet, she and Trump's staff, can't say they weren't warned. Take precautions people. It isn't a game. Wear masks, thoroughly wash hands and face, gargle, distance yourselves, get enough sleep and eat well-balanced healthy meals. Bottom line, use common sense and don't listen to the voices in Trump's head.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

She’ll be ok, take some meds, get some rest and in two weeks she’ll bounce back. She’s a strong women.

What meds would you prescribe? They may need to get some stock in.

The photos accompanying this article were taken very recently and show her standing immediately beside many prominent members of the trump administration.

I know you don’t approve of wearing masks, apparently neither does anyone in these photos.

We can assume she’s a ‘strong women’ but the preexisting conditions often mentioned as the cause of death by team trump could be present in anyone. trump would certainly not have an easy time if he were infected.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Hopefully, she's OK, but it's not all that surprising with they way they don't wear masks around the West Wing or at their big campaign rallies.

If Trump ends up getting the Coronavirus, will he give that as an excuse to delay the presidential elections for a later date? Sounds crazy, right? But he just might think it's a reasonable demand.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

So wear a mask...

15 ( +18 / -3 )

She’ll be ok, take some meds, get some rest and in two weeks she’ll bounce back. She’s a strong women.

How do you ascertain this?

What meds should she take & what meds should the 200k plus people who are no longer with her should have taken?

13 ( +17 / -4 )

Stupidity is so dangerous.

26 ( +31 / -5 )

Well if Trump has it then Biden certainly does after their screaming match at the debate.

Biden didn't get anywhere near "The Disrupter".

6 ( +12 / -6 )

She isn't symptomatic 

Hicks began feeling mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota Wednesday evening

If you read the article it's literally the third sentence

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Wait! All joking aside, this is real breaking news from CNN: the prez has the coronavirus! This is going to be imteresting to see how they handle the 'hoax' that has now hit home.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

With his rep he will of course blame it on someone else.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

Maybe this might make him act more responsible...

But I doubt it.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Sad, very sad. All 3 Biden, Trump and Wallace were in close proximity.

-21 ( +4 / -25 )

I hope Trump, et. al. recover and suffer none of the long-term health impacts.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

Did Trump have COVID-19 during the presidential debate?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

How many others have they infected with their reckless disregard of safety precautions? Superspreader.

13 ( +19 / -6 )

Readers, we caution you all: Do not post nasty comments.

A man that downplayed the seriousness of the coronavirus from the very beginning, which contributed to its spread in America, a man that downplayed social distancing and wearing of masks, now is infected with the same virus he made light of.

The irony.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Biden was several meters away from Trump on the debate stage. It would be terrible if the Coronavirus takes them both out this close to the election.

Would the presidency then go to Nancy Pelosi in such a case?

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Trump to Hicks, "you're fired!" Trump will continue tweeting from ICU that it's a hoax and it's all fake news. I think I'm going to go an celebrate and buy some ice cream!

7 ( +11 / -4 )

They'll be fine with fully funded healthcare that most Americans can only dream of...

12 ( +15 / -3 )

The implications of this breaking news is truly profound.

Trump's aspirations of getting re-elected this November which was already slim to none is pretty much toast with this news.

Those who were undecided between Biden and Trump, will now clearly see the devastation wreaked throughout America by Covid-19, and who was ultimately responsible for that.

13 ( +17 / -4 )

If he gets corona you can imagine how bad the situation is in his inner circle, the wh, even whole DC

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Best wishes for the guy! Currently there is no alternative to Trump... nobody else has the will or stamina to take on the swamp and China.

-23 ( +8 / -31 )

I definitely will be keeping the President and the First Lady in my thoughts and prayers, hope for a speedy recovery.

-18 ( +9 / -27 )

He is going to be fine. I do not think the virus can put up with his arrogance for very long and will leave him.

13 ( +17 / -4 )

Readers, once again, we ask you to please refrain from posting nasty remarks. Try discussing the implications of this news for the next two debates and election.

Some people her suddenly concerned with the welfare of senior citizens after shrugging their shoulders at their suffering for several months

Does Trump have any underlying conditions?

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Trump to Wallace about Biden during the debate:

*Trump**: I don't have -- I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from them and he shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen.*

23 ( +24 / -1 )

I think it was 10 days or so between Johnson testing positive for Covid and his being admitted to hospital 'for observation' and then going into the ICU. The next debate is set for the 15th? Trump could well be on a ventilator by then.

Lesson to be learned from this, if you still need to learn; Covid is infectious. It can get you wherever you are, whoever you are. So wear a mask and keep your distance.

I hope he and Melania both get well, so that he can lose the election fair and square.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

And of course not a word or a thought to the countless staff, protection, or supporters he’s put at risk.

As always, it’s all about him.

9 ( +16 / -7 )

Readers, final warning. Anyone who makes nasty remarks will be suspended from the discussion board for 24 hours. There are plenty of implications to this news that you can discussion intelligently.

Strorm Crow

You ask questions that have answers, so no need to speculate:

If a candidate is temporarily incapacitated, then nothing changes.

If a candidate is permanently incapacitated, it depends on when: before the convention, between the convention and the elections, after the election but before innauguration.

See here: https://www.vpr.org/post/ask-bob-what-happens-if-joe-biden-or-donald-trump-dies#stream/0

4 ( +4 / -0 )

It's unfortunate. I worry because he is in a risk group.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The good news is that Trump and Melania are asymptomatic so that is real great news and hopefully he can make it in time for the second debate.

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

I wish both he and Melania a full and speedy recovery, but I think we can definitively say now he has never understood the threat posed by coronavirus.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

People better be watching Russia and China like hawks and not distracted by the current mess the US is in. History tells us that when one major power is "distracted", other rival powers can often make a sudden power grab. Dangerous times...

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

And sometimes good people bad things happen and they bounce back, better, stronger and more invigorated. Luckily, he’s got the best care and doctors, so that’s a relief.

-9 ( +8 / -17 )

But it must be fake news

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I hope they both recover.

I hope this makes more people realise that idiotic behaviour at this time is dangerous.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

So that useless hydroxychloroquine he’s been promoting doesn’t work. No masks at the debate, how many people did he and his wife infect?

8 ( +13 / -5 )

If Trump were to die of this, what happens to the election?

I presume that it still goes ahead with him on the ballot, but as Pence as the de facto candidate.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Trump will beat it, much like Boris did.

Strong people with great health care surrounding them.

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

As long as the president continues to be asymptomatic, they do contact tracing, double negative testing, the guys got 7 of the best doctors in the country

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

From the BBC:

Now, the White House and the campaign will have to answer why the president took such a seemingly cavalier attitude toward protecting himself - and how many others in the White House and the higher echelons of the US government may have been exposed. 

This is a metaphor for the past four years.

During times of national turmoil, the American public tends to rally in support of the president. It may not be enough to insulate him from the questions that follow, however.

Stop the recklessness, voters.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

the guys got 7 of the best doctors in the country

at least one of them is still downplaying the virus

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Trump will beat it, much like Boris did.

Johnson’s stupidity took up a hospital bed and the time of medical professionals. Some unfortunate people catch Covid despite following the rules and using common sense. Johnson clearly wasn’t one of these. Irresponsible.

Conservatives claim they are for personal responsibility but won’t call out their own for not taking personal responsibility. As I said, I hope Trump recovers but I have less sympathy for those who have not taken personal responsibility.

Put a mask on. Don’t spread conspiracy theories. Don’t disingenuously read the numbers to suit a political narrative.

Act like an adult.

9 ( +16 / -7 )

Well, there were other world leaders that have had this virus, so they all weathered the storm of this virus snd looks like the President and the First Lady will get over this just fine. We are human, imperfect, but the President has a higher survival rate given the fact that he doesn’t drink or smoke, no pre-existing conditions of any. If he’s somewhat overweight, but by not having these underling conditions vastly increasing his chances of a quick and speedy recovery.

-13 ( +8 / -21 )

At the first debate about Biden: “200 feet away from him and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen”.

There's a comment that has not aged well.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

If I repeatedly say that this virus is very heavily underestimated, then it is very heavily underestimated. It’s that easy...you don’t listen, you face the consequences.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

and when Donald recovers and beats this, guess what will be said of one of the greatest Presidents of all time.

Yes exactly that ! He fought for America, and fought the virus literally beating the hell out of it .....................

-18 ( +2 / -20 )

You've seen his actual medical records? So, he has no high blood pressure? Because that's one of the worst pre-existing conditions one could have when trying to fight off Covid.

bass4funk

Well, there were other world leaders that have had this virus, so they all weathered the storm of this virus snd looks like the President and the First Lady will get over this just fine. We are human, imperfect, but the President has a higher survival rate given the fact that he doesn’t drink or smoke, no pre-existing conditions of any. If he’s somewhat overweight, but by not having these underling conditions vastly increasing his chances of a quick and speedy recovery.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

He fought for America, and fought the virus literally beating the hell out of it

In which reality did this occur?

He knew about the virus, downplayed it, said it would be gone by April, contradicted and berated his own experts and suggested bleach as a cure.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Wow you can't make this up... let hope Trump doesn't get sympathetic votes

8 ( +14 / -6 )

We can wish them both well while pondering the irony that Covid-19 may yet do what impeachment and the self-interest of politicians were unable to do: remove from office a man who is unfit for the job and whose egregious incompetence and irresponsibility has contributed in no small measure to the deaths of 200,000+ Americans, with many more to follow.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Just wish both well and safe, if nothing else, for the sake of there families.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

at least one of them is still downplaying the virus

And if it’s not that bad to be honest or if he doesn’t show any underlying symptoms with the next couple of test results, that would be a great outcome.

-19 ( +2 / -21 )

I was afraid this could happen. He often refused wearing mask. His supporters gather together without masks. In the debate, he ridiculed Biden's big mask. Did he think he was invincible?

11 ( +13 / -2 )

“It is what it is.”

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Johnson’s stupidity took up a hospital bed and the time of medical professionals

So its stupidity that you get the virus ?

It can. Johnson, like others, was told not to go around shaking hands in crowded rooms. He ignored this. He increased his chance of getting it. He got it.

Stupidity.

Medical professionals on the front line without access to the proper protective gear got it.

Not stupidity.

People attending mass gatherings without correct social distancing, anti-mask boneheadedness and conspiracy theories getting Covid.

Egregious stupidity.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Does this mean that Trump and Melania will not be attending the next debate?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

It is what it is.

2020, it ain’t so bad! Except, I’ve lost that violin I had.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

So its stupidity that you get the virus ?

For many, it's sheer bad luck - being in the wrong place, with the wrong people, at the wrong time.

But for those who scoff it off as being a 'hoax' and 'fake news' and 'nothing but the sniffles', who refuse to wear a mask and practice social distancing, instead gathering together literally thousands of people to hold rallies....

for them people, yeah, it's sheer stupidity.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

I wouldn't wish the Coronavirus on the worst of the worst .

Even though trump meets that category, I wish him ,Melania and and Hope Hicks speedy recovery.

The wish is that this drives the administration and the deniers to take it seriously.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Covid-19 may yet do what impeachment and the self-interest of politicians were unable to do:

Probably not. And for the simple fact that the president is asymptomatic, the chances of his recovery seem more secure and faster, a lot of people go without symptoms and there are many many people that have had the virus and didn’t know it and so with all of the scientific advances over the last six months, it looks more promising that the president should be up in about within two weeks as far as we know.

-14 ( +6 / -20 )

I always wish for sweep recovery, to whomever they are. Check close staff members.

In two weeks' time will he come back victorious?

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

And for the simple fact that the president is asymptomatic, the chances of his recovery seem more secure and faster,

Unless you are a doctor and his doctor you dont know that.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

Are there different strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating?.....

https://coronavirusexplained.ukri.org/en/article/cad0013/

This is crucial factor.

Lets be clear, if this is some dispicable reality TV political game play, heads will roll in the saw-dust.

So best to just hope the President and the First Lady remain well

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

for the simple fact that the president is asymptomatic, the chances of his recovery seem more secure and faster

But it may simply be that he's pre-symptomatic.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Unless you are a doctor and his doctor you dont know that.

I am not a doctor, I’m just going by what a lot of doctors have been saying over the last two hours and as everyone always seems to tell us, we should always listen to the experts and according to what so many of these doctors are saying, the prognosis looks pretty good so far. So based on these doctors in a medical expertise. So these doctors have a positive outlook.

-21 ( +3 / -24 )

I wish them both quick recovery.

-9 ( +9 / -18 )

Well, first comment; I can't stand Trump - he's brought nothing but pain and division to our country. That being said, I wish him well and hope he recovers...

Second, does this surprise anyone? He has been dismissing all the recommended safety precautions since the pandemic began - even re-tweeting that wearing a mask is "Anti-American"...

Third, where is Pence and has he been tested? If he has the virus too - then the line of succession is to the Speaker of the House...

Fourth, I'm more concerned about Barron - COVID can have lasting effects....

Lastly, I hope this isn't all some planned scam and con-job to try to turn around the polls...I wouldn't put this past Trump....he's desperate to stay in the White House, not because he wants to be President, but because he knows he is very likely to be indicted on a broad range of fraud crimes one he leaves...

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Wish him a good recovery. But I don't think he is up to the job, so I hope he drops out (and enjoys his healthy retirement years) and another Republican who is fit to serve runs and possibly runs. This is just too much of a risk to the US government to keep Trump running. Get well Trump - peace man, but please quit and get well and just enjoy golden years quietly with your family. It's good for you and most of all, good for the world.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thoughts go through my mind.

He has it. Never mind, It is just a cold. He saw no reason to wear a mask and still probably doesn't. He will not admit he was wrong. Will he try disinfectant or hydroxychloroquine?

He doesn't have it. He needs and excuse to miss/cancel the next debate with Biden. He wants sympathy and the sympathy vote.
0 ( +0 / -0 )

I dislike Trump intensely but I wish to see him beaten in the election and not by the coronavirus, so I wish him and his wife a speedy recovery.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thoughts go through my mind.

He has it. Never mind, It is just a cold. He saw no reason to wear a mask and still probably doesn't. He will not admit he was wrong. Will he try disinfectant or hydroxychloroquine?

He doesn't have it. He needs and excuse to miss/cancel the next debate with Biden. He wants sympathy and the sympathy vote.
0 ( +0 / -0 )

Trump supporter or opponent notwithstanding ; it is far better to have a functioning US President than not, for literally the sake of the whole world..

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I second that!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am not a fan of the President but I hope he and his wife recover. I do not wish anyone to go through the serious effects of this virus.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just out of curiosity, what’s the protocol win a presidential candidate dies before election day? If Trump were to pass away in the next few weeks with the Republican national committee simply elect a new candidate? Would there be a general election by the republican voters?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am not a fan of the President and I do not consider him fit for the office however I hope he and his wife (and those other infected) recover with minimal side effects.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

bass4funkToday  03:48 pm JST

And if it’s not that bad to be honest or if he doesn’t show any underlying symptoms with the next couple of test results, that would be a great outcome.

I assume you don't mind if the President and First Lady recover but have infected other people that might not.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

noriahojanenToday  04:11 pm JST

Check close staff members.

Exactly. That's why this thing is so dangerous: the risk of getting a fatal case from someone who doesn't feel ill at all.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This will be considered an act of war if the US President passes away from Coronavirus since Covid19 Coronavirus is considered a biological warfare. CCP Beijing screwed up big time now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's normal to carry a flu virus. If the POTUS and/or First Lady become hospitalized (or worse) then that will be newsworthy. We are going to look back at these times of paranoia like we do regarding the Salem Witch Trials and the Red Scare in the 1950s. Mark my words.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What if he dies ? What if Biden dies ? A bit messy this

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just a thought.

Has Joe Biden offered his support to the President and First lady?

Maybe I missed it.

Joe has a twitter account yes?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe Biden, that he didn't get infected during the debate.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hoping that Joe Biden didn't get infected as well, during the "debate."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Should Trump get sick enough to be put into intensive care the implications for an election seem huge. If the President dies then would an election be null and void? Would the speaker take control for a limited period until a new election is held? Would Pence take control until Jan 2021 then the speaker take over?

The result of the election would also be in question should Biden become infected, however if Trump remains healthy I am sure he would say Biden's state of health is not relevant to his reelection.

Many questions hang over the future for this US election now. Trump always wanted to postpone the election, will this now give grounds for such a move?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Poetic justice. I just hope that Biden didn't catch it from him.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I hope Biden is doing well.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Im wishing the both of them a speedy recovery and hopefully the President will be back on the campaign trail as early as next week.

I find it very sad that President Trump has completely broken people so badly that they actually downvote a benign statement such as "I wish them both a quick recovery".

I wonder how many of these broken people actively hoping for the death of a politician, have in the last week lamented what they see as a lack of decency in society...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I wish them both a speedy recovery

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is an interesting complication a this crucial juncture.

Questions I have

Will this impact the Supreme Court candidacy at all? Put more impetus on it, to divert attention away from the Potus-rona situation

Debates - Will Pence/ Harris VP debate be bumped forward? Could be a good thing two younger, more eloquent speakers having some semblance of a proper debate.

Tweets. Will the Quarantined potus get cabin fever and start tweeting more, and more erratically out of frustration, or will this humble him somewhat?

How far will this spread? We have the two ladies and him confirmed, what about others in the close circle?
0 ( +0 / -0 )

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