Trump tests positive for coronavirus
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President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus, the physician to the president confirmed early Friday.
Why it matters: Trump is 74 years old, which generally puts him at higher risk for severe illness from the virus, per CDC guidelines. The president was experiencing "mild symptoms" on Friday, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters.
What they're saying: "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump tweeted.
- First Lady Melania Trump tweeted: "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."
The state of play: The statement comes hours after it was revealed that Hope Hicks, one of the president's closest aides, tested positive for the virus. Hicks traveled with Trump on Air Force One to and from Tuesday's presidential debate. She also accompanied Trump to his Minnesota rally on Wednesday.
- The White House updated the president's schedule early Friday morning, removing all events except a "phone call on COVID-19 support to vulnerable seniors."
- White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in July that the president is tested "multiple times a day," and staff in the executive office of the president are subject to randomized mandatory tests.
- Several people in the White House have tested positive for COVID-19 since the outbreak began in the U.S., including national security adviser Robert O'Brien, Vice President Pence's press secretary Katie Miller, and one of President Trump's personal valets.
- The election is 32 days away.
Where it stands: Trump joins the ranks of several of his counterparts around the globe to have contracted COVID-19, including Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized in April.
The big picture: Trump has been criticized for holding large rallies that violate social distancing guidelines through much of the pandemic, and for refusing to wear a mask in many public appearances.
- The president has downplayed the risks of the virus. He and members of his administration are often in close contact without masks.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from the White House chief of staff.
