President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19, the president tweeted at 12:54 a.m. ET on Friday.
The Trumps were tested hours earlier and had been awaiting results while quarantining since it was reported on Thursday that Hope Hicks, a senior White House aide, had tested positive. Hicks had traveled with the president on multiple occasions this week.
It was not immediately clear how or when Hicks or the Trumps were exposed to the virus. It can take days after exposure before a test would yield a positive result.
“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.
The president’s announcement drew immediate and widespread reaction around the world, including from Alabama elected officials.
“Praying for a speedy recovery for both,” tweeted Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), the dean of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation.
Praying for a speedy recovery for both. https://t.co/TDATxeA4Cn
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) October 2, 2020
The president’s White House physician has released a memo stating, “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.”
“Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering,” he added.
This is breaking news and will be updated.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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