TRUMP HOSPITALIZED Covid-stricken Trump says ‘I thinks I’m doing very well’ before defiant thumbs up as he’s rushed to Walter Reed hospital
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has been rushed to Walter Reed medical center out of an "abundance of caution" as he experiences coronavirus symptoms following his diagnosis.
Trump, 74, was seen giving a "thumbs up" on Friday night as he walked across the White House South Lawn to presidential helicopter Marine One for the first time since he confirmed he had the deadly virus.
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Shortly after he was transported to the military hospital in Maryland, Trump tweeted out a video of himself thanking "everybody for the tremendous support."
"I'm going to Walter Reed hospital. I think I'm doing very well. But we're going to make sure things work out," Trump said.
He said First Lady Melania Trump –who also tested positive for COVID – "is doing very well."
"So thank you very much. I appreciate it, I will never forget it," the president said. "Thank you."
Once Trump arrived at the hospital, he was seen being driven in an armored car full of masked Secret Service members.
Trump was seen waving from the back seat of the vehicle.
Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day.
"Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days."
ABC News reports Trump is experiencing a fever, chills, some nasal congestion, and is coughing.
White House spokesperson Alyssa Farah said that Trump "is in charge" and has not transferred any power to his second-in-command, Vice President Mike Pence.
Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence both on Friday tested negative for the virus.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is behind Pence in the presidential line of succession, also tested negative on Friday.
The extraordinary turn of events in Washington is throwing the US presidential election – already historic and notable – into chaos.
Late on Thursday, it was confirmed that a top aide to Trump, Hope Hicks, had the virus after days of traveling alongside the president to campaign events.
Around 1am on Friday, Trump tweeted that both he and Melania both tested positive, adding: "We will get through this TOGETHER!"
Trump hasn't tweeted since, aside from the video – which is unusual for the president, who frequently tweets throughout his day, most days.
Following news of his hospitalized, Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's state-run media, reported North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un wished Trump a "speedy recovery."
Earlier on Friday, White House doctor Sean P Conley said Trump "remains fatigued but in good spirits."
A new memo released detailed the mix of vitamins and antioxidants the president is taking for coronavirus symptoms.
Conley, in writing the memo to McEnany, wrote of Trump's health status a day after he tested positive.
"As of this afternoon the President remains fatigued but in good spirits," Conley wrote.
"He's being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we'll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps."
Conley wrote that Melania was doing mildly better than the president.
"First Lady Melania Trump remains well with only a mild cough and headache."
"The remainder of the First Family are well and tested negative for" COVID-19.
Trump's diagnosis sparked concerns about the president's height and weight.
The 74-year-old weight 244 pounds in June, according to results from his physical.
The White House doctor at the time deemed Trump to be in good health and said he showed little change in basic health measurements within the last 16 months.
Several people in Trump's circle have tested positive for the virus, including Hicks, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, and Utah Senator Mike Lee.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife, Dr Jill Biden, both tested negative on Friday for coronavirus.
Trump allegedly knew that Hicks had the virus before he traveled to New Jersey for a fundraiser on Thursday.
On Friday, Trump's Chief of Staff Mark Meadows confirmed Trump knew of his possible COVID-19 exposure before visiting his Bedminster club.
“We discovered that right as Marine One was taking off yesterday," he told reporters. "We actually pulled some of the people that had been traveling and in close contact."
Hicks and Trump traveled together at least two days this week – including to and from the first presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday and to a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday.
It is unknown why Trump continued to attend the New Jersey event.
During their debate on Tuesday, Trump made fun of Biden for how often he wears a mask.
Experts say wearing a mask prevents contracting coronavirus.
"I think masks are OK," Trump said during the debate as he pulled out a mask from his suit jacket pocket.
"I put a mask on, you know, when I think I need it. Tonight is an example, everybody has had a test. I wear a mask when needed. When needed, I wear masks."
But of Biden, Trump said: "I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask."
He said Biden "could be speaking 200 feet away" and then "shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen."
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