World leaders react to Trump testing positive for coronavirus
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Russian President Vladimir Putin with President Donald Trump at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Photo: Kremlin Press Office / Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
World leaders were sending well wishes on Friday to President Trump and first lady Melania Trump after they tested positive for the coronavirus.
What they're saying: The Kremlin press office said Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram wishing the Trumps well, saying: " I am confident that your vital energy, high spirits, and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus," per Interfax.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 in April, tweeted Friday morning, "My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: “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."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday: "My first thoughts are in support of them for a speedy recovery. They had certainly reached out when Sophie [Grégoire Trudeau] got her diagnosis earlier in the spring."
European Council President Charles Michel also wished them a speedy recovery, adding: "COVIDー19 is a battle we all continue to fight. Everyday. No matter where we live."
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "Wishing President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump speedy recovery from COVID-19."
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Trump and the first lady well in a tweet:
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying tweeted that she was "saddened" to learn of of the Trump's positive test results. "Hope they both have a speedy recovery and will be fine," she said.
European Parliament member Radoslaw Sikorski, a former Polish foreign minister, tweeted to the president, "I suggest you do not try to treat yourself with bleach," in reference to Trump's April comments that disinfectants may be used to treat coronavirus — which he later said were sarcastic.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeusus sent his "best wishes" in a tweet to the Trumps "for a full and speedy recovery."
Of note: The president and Tedros have had a tumultuous relationship that culminated in Trump officially signaling the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO after repeatedly criticizing the health body over the pandemic.
The big picture: Trump is the latest world leader to have contracted COVID-19. Others include Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and Johnson.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout
