Trump Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Pence Tests Negative

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus after Trump recently indicated that “the end of the pandemic is in sight.”

Meanwhile the vice-president’s press secretary, Devin O’Malley, announced today that Mike Pence and the Second Lady have tested negative for COVID-19. “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. Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery,” O’Malley posted on Twitter. 

The Vice Presidential debate between Pence and Joe Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris is still set for October 7. The next presidential debate is currently slated for October 15th in Miami. 

The coronavirus crisis has destabilized the economy. While the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.9% in September from an historic record of 14.7% in April, Trump is still entering a presidential race at a level that marks the worst job loss that any president has faced going into an election. The unemployment rate was 4.8% when Trump took office in January 2017.

As the New York Times notes about how Trump’s positive test could further impact the economy: “the symbolism of an infected American president could rattle allies, as well as governors and business owners trying to assess when and how to reopen or keep open shops, schools, parks, beaches, restaurants, factories and other workplaces.” 

Trump, 74, is now forced to quarantine in the White House just 32 days ahead of the November 3rd election. His physician noted Trump can carry out his presidential duties “without disruption while recovering” from the Executive Mansion. Trump’s campaign rally today in Florida has been cancelled, as have scheduled appearances at rallies in Wisconsin on Saturday and Arizona on Monday. 

Trump’s announcement came via Twitter at 1 a.m. shortly after his adviser Hope Hicks tested positive for COVID-19. “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” Trump tweeted. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

The president has said he and the first lady are “feeling good”; he has not noted whether or not the first couple are experiencing symptoms.