Politics

Update: Trump Moved to Walter Reed as Wisconsin Officials React to COVID-19 Diagnosis

The president and first lady tested positive for COVID-19 late Thursday.

By Will Kenneally

October 2, 2020

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President and first lady

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown, Pa. on their way to attend 9/11 anniversary memorial ceremonies Tuesday, Sept, 11, 2018, at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. (Courtesy: Shealah Craighead / the White House)


President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 late Thursday and began quarantining in the residence of the White House.

Late Friday, the president was moved to Walter Reed, a military hospital in Maryland, for further testing. The president was seen walking as he boarded Marine One to be airlifted to the hospital.

The president’s doctor Thursday said in a memo that the president and the first lady were both “doing well” and that he expects the president to continue his duties “without disruption.”

A bipartisan outpouring of support came from Wisconsin’s elected officials.

“My prayers are with the President and First Lady, with the families who have suffered at the hands of this virus, and with the families who have lost someone to coronavirus,” U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville, wrote. “I remain committed to defeating this virus and protecting our health.”

“My thoughts are with [the president] and the First Lady. I hope for a speedy recovery,” said U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison.

“This should show the nation the need to take Covid-19 seriously, and that means wearing a mask and properly social distancing,” he added. “Ignorance or arrogance or denial can be costly.”

The president was scheduled to make a campaign stop in Green Bay and Janesville on Saturday, two events that were cancelled as Trump remains in quarantine while he recovers.

The Wisconsin State Journal confirmed Friday that the air restrictions around the Green Bay and Janesville airports—put in place to allow Air Force One to land—have been lifted.

This comes after Hope Hicks, a top White House advisor, tested positive for the virus Thursday. The vice president and second lady both tested negative for the virus Friday.

In reporting Friday morning, the New York Times reported the president is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.

This story was updated Friday evening to include the president moving to Walter Reed.

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