PHOTOSInside The Explosive White House COVID-19 Crisis — Everything We Know
Oct. 2 2020, Updated 7:22 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump shocked the world when he announced that he and his wife, Melania Trump, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, October 2.
First, Hope Hicks, Trump’s closest aide, traveled with the former reality star on Air Force One this week and has now contracted COVID-19. "Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for COVID-19. Terrible!" Trump, 74, tweeted on Thursday, October 1. "The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!"
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A few hours later, the businessman revealed the bad news. "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19," he wrote. "We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!"
The White House did not say how long Trump will be isolated for, but he has canceled his plans to fly to Florida for a campaign rally on Friday, October 2. Trump will no longer make appearances at rallies in Wisconsin on Saturday, October 3, and in Arizona on Monday, October 5, either. The next debate — which is scheduled for October 15 in Miami — is also up in the air.
Despite being under the weather, it seems like the pair are in good hands. "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," Dr. Sean P. Conley, the White House physician, said in a statement.
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"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."
At the moment, a source said Trump has "mild" symptoms, but people at the White House noted that his voice sounded raspy on Thursday. The President has been campaigning and holding rallies, so it’s unclear if his voice is like that from talking a lot or from the virus.
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Trump has been adamant that he has kept the virus at bay and that it’s just "going to disappear" one day.
During the debate on September 29, Trump insisted that "tremendous progress" has been made, and the country is "rounding the corner" in its fight against the disease.
As of now, many things are up in the air — including when debates will happen, if Trump will trail in the polls and whether Joe Biden was infected. Scroll through the gallery to get the details on the White House COVID-19 crisis.
President Trump Wants To Address The Nation
According to a source, Trump has "minor" cold-like symptoms and was tired after he flew back from his rally on Wednesday night. However, Trump wants to address the nation on October 2 to show the American people that he is fit to lead the country, despite this minor setback.
White House Officials Knew Hope Hicks Was Sick
White House officials wanted to keep Hicks' diagnosis quiet and only a small circle of people knew she had contracted the virus. According to the Associated Press, Hicks began experiencing mild symptoms while on the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday, September 30. However, she was isolated from other passengers on the flight.
Melania Trump Encourages Everyone To “Stay Safe”
After falling ill, Melania tweeted, "As too many Americans have done this year, @potus and I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19," she wrote. "We are feeling good and I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe and we will all get through this together."
Joe Biden Will Get A COVID-19 Test After Being Near Trump
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Biden, 77, is being tested Friday morning for the infectious disease, and the former Vice President wrote a supportive message to his opponent on Twitter. "Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery," he wrote. "We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family."
Mike And Karen Pence Test Negative
"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," Devin O’Malley, the Vice President’s press secretary, wrote on Twitter on October 2. "Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery."
Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Barron Trump All Test Negative
White House officials announced that Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Barron Trump have all tested negative for the virus.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett Tested Negative
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. Deere said she was last with the President on Saturday, when she was nominated by Trump.
Melania Has “Mild” Symptoms
"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," Melania wrote.
Joe And Jill Biden Test Negative
"Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected," Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the primary care physician for former Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, said.
