President Trump revealed Thursday night he and First Lady Melania Trump have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and said they are quarantining together in the White House.
The news that Trump and his wife tested positive for the virus came shortly after it was disclosed White House advisor Hope Hicks – who traveled with Trump to Tuesday’s debate in Ohio – also was positive.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately,” Trump tweeted around midnight in Washington, D.C. “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence tested negative, the White House said Friday.
Sean Conley, the White House physician, released a statement saying Trump and the First Lady “are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”
“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 professionals and institutions,” Conley said. “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 is 74. Melania Trump is 50.
Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden did not shake hands during Tuesday’s debate, as was protocol for a debate during a pandemic.
Leaders and other individuals across the spectrum urged the nation to pray for the First Family.
Pence took to Twitter to write, “Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump. We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.”
Biden also offered prayers for the President and First lady writing, “Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.”
“Please join me in praying … that they would have a quick recovery,” evangelist Franklin Graham said.
“God bless the president and the first lady,” tweeted MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow. “If you pray, please pray for their speedy and complete recovery — and for everyone infected, everywhere. This virus is horrific and merciless — no one would wish its wrath on anyone. We must get its spread under control. Enough.”
“Let us pray for the President and First Lady in their illness,” tweeted Jesuit priest and author James Martin.
“Please join me in praying for the speedy and full recovery of our President and First Lady,” tweeted J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie also called for prayer writing, “Let’s all be praying for God’s intervention and healing for our President and First Lady!”
Photo courtesy: (C)Getty Images/Drew Angerer/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
