President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have tested positive for COVID-19, Trump and White House staff confirmed early on Friday morning (Oct. 2). The POTUS and First Lady were tested for Coronavirus after Hope Hicks, a White House aide, was diagnosed with the disease this week. The Trumps will self-quarantine while they recover.
“Tonight, [Melania] and I tested positive for COVID-19,” Trump tweeted late on Thursday (Oct. 1). “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”
On Twitter, Melania added, “As too many Americans have done this year, [Donald] & 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.”
According to a White House press release from Physician to the President Sean P. Conley, Trump and Melania “are both well at this time.”
“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 professional and institutions,” the release read. “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.”
Trump’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis arrives just 13 days before his next scheduled debate with Joe Biden. The two presidential hopefuls faced off for their first debate this Tuesday (Sept. 29). He’s also canceled his campaign rally that was scheduled to take place in Florida today. Instead, he’ll reportedly be hosting a closed press call on COVID-19, meant to support “vulnerable seniors.” The election, meanwhile, is just over a month away.
According to “The Today Show,” several others also recently traveled with Hicks, including Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Rudy Giuliani, Kayleigh McEnany and Donald Trump Jr.
See Trump’s tweet and the official White House press release below.