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Donald Trump quarantines after positive Covid test; Mike Pence tests negative – live updates Donald Trump quarantines after positive Covid test; Mike Pence tests negative – live updates
(32 minutes later)
President to quarantine days after taking part in TV debate and campaign rally in Minnesota; Vice president’s daily test comes back negativePresident to quarantine days after taking part in TV debate and campaign rally in Minnesota; Vice president’s daily test comes back negative
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has added his voice and prayers to those wishing Donald and Melania Trump well.
Reuters have a quick snap that US secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin has tested negative for coronavirus this morning.
He joins vice president Mike Pence and Pence’s wife Karen in announcing a negative Covid test result in the wake of the news that the president and his wife have both tested positive.
A refreshingly honest headline from Matt Berman over at Buzzfeed this morning: I am the politics editor and I have absolutely no idea what happens next. Berman has at least helpfully identified three of the key questions however:
As he helpfully puts it: “The mind boggles”
Read it here: Buzzfeed News – I am the politics editor and I have absolutely no idea what happens next
A survey this week showed that fewer than one-third of Americans place a great deal or a fair amount of trust in federal government, the White House, or Donald Trump to give them accurate information about the coronavirus. They might have a point.
Cornell University researchers have analyzed 38m English-language articles about the pandemic, and found that Donald Trump was the largest driver of Covid misinformation in the media in the first half of the year.
The study found that of articles published from 1 January to 26 May, more than 1.1m — slightly less than about 3% — contained some form of misinformation. They categorised this and found some common repeated conspiracy theory tropes, such as the source of the coronavirus being people who ate bat soup, or that the pandemic had been engineered to coincide with Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.
What they found above all, though, was that when it came to the promise of “miracle cures”, it was Trump’s words that echoed loudest.
His promotion of hydroxychloroquine, and suggestions that UV light or bleach could help with dealing with Covid, generated masses of articles, providing a vector for the misinformation to spread. Worryingly, the researchers found that “the majority of Covid misinformation is conveyed by the media without question or correction”.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s going to be a lot of looking back at the things Donald Trump has done and said this week when he could have been affected by the coronavirus.As I mentioned earlier, there’s going to be a lot of looking back at the things Donald Trump has done and said this week when he could have been affected by the coronavirus.
CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale has gathered together a few things that the president has said over the last few days attacking his election opponent Joe Biden for practising Covid-safety measures at his campaign events. The CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale has gathered together a few things that the president has said over the last few days in attacking his election opponent Joe Biden for practising Covid-safety measures at his campaign events.
And then there’s this. Two days before announcing he had contracted Covid-19, Donald Trump was tossing campaign baseball caps into his campaign rally crowd with his bare hands while in Duluth, Minnesota.And then there’s this. Two days before announcing he had contracted Covid-19, Donald Trump was tossing campaign baseball caps into his campaign rally crowd with his bare hands while in Duluth, Minnesota.
The venue was crowded with hundreds of supporters on Wednesday and Trump, who did not wear a face mask, entered the stage smiling and waving to the crowd before addressing the rally. The president frequently minimised the seriousness of the pandemic in its early stages and has repeatedly predicted it would go away.The venue was crowded with hundreds of supporters on Wednesday and Trump, who did not wear a face mask, entered the stage smiling and waving to the crowd before addressing the rally. The president frequently minimised the seriousness of the pandemic in its early stages and has repeatedly predicted it would go away.
The vice president’s press secretary Devin O’Malley has just announced that this morning Mike Pence has tested negative for the coronavirus. The vice-president’s press secretary, Devin O’Malley, has just announced that Mike Pence tested negative for the coronavirus this morning.
If you are just joining us, here’s a summary from my colleague Helen Sullivan of what we know so far:If you are just joining us, here’s a summary from my colleague Helen Sullivan of what we know so far:
Donald Trump and Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus. The news came after one of the president’s most senior advisers, Hope Hicks, tested positive on Thursday. Trump broke the news of the couple’s infection on Twitter.Donald Trump and Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus. The news came after one of the president’s most senior advisers, Hope Hicks, tested positive on Thursday. Trump broke the news of the couple’s infection on Twitter.
Hicks had flown with the president on Air Force One earlier on Wednesday and accompanied him to the first presidential debate against the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, on Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio.Hicks had flown with the president on Air Force One earlier on Wednesday and accompanied him to the first presidential debate against the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, on Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio.
Trump confirmed on Fox News on Thursday evening that he and the first lady were awaiting the results of coronavirus tests following Hicks’s positive test.Trump confirmed on Fox News on Thursday evening that he and the first lady were awaiting the results of coronavirus tests following Hicks’s positive test.
Trump’s doctor confirmed that the president and first lady would “remain at home within the White House during their convalescence”. How long this convalescence lasts will depend on how ill the pair get. Even if Trump tests negative within the next 14 days, he will almost certainly be unable to attend rallies in three key states – Wisconsin, Florida and Arizona – as well as the next presidential debate, which is scheduled for 15 October.Trump’s doctor confirmed that the president and first lady would “remain at home within the White House during their convalescence”. How long this convalescence lasts will depend on how ill the pair get. Even if Trump tests negative within the next 14 days, he will almost certainly be unable to attend rallies in three key states – Wisconsin, Florida and Arizona – as well as the next presidential debate, which is scheduled for 15 October.
If Trump becomes too ill to lead the country, the vice-president, Mike Pence, will be placed in charge. If Pence is also incapacitated, the House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, would be the most likely person to take over.If Trump becomes too ill to lead the country, the vice-president, Mike Pence, will be placed in charge. If Pence is also incapacitated, the House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, would be the most likely person to take over.
Pence attended a White House coronavirus taskforce briefing with Trump on Monday. Pence did not attend the presidential debate.Pence attended a White House coronavirus taskforce briefing with Trump on Monday. Pence did not attend the presidential debate.
There are fears Trump may have exposed Biden to the virus during Tuesday night’s debate. Biden is expected to get tested for coronavirus this morning.There are fears Trump may have exposed Biden to the virus during Tuesday night’s debate. Biden is expected to get tested for coronavirus this morning.
CNN are reporting that “a source familiar with his plans” has told them that the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, is planning to get a coronavirus test this morning in light of the news of Donald Trump’s positive diagnosis.CNN are reporting that “a source familiar with his plans” has told them that the Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, is planning to get a coronavirus test this morning in light of the news of Donald Trump’s positive diagnosis.
A scramble is under way in Washington to determine how far coronavirus infection has spread in the top ranks of the US leadership after Donald Trump tested positive, in a week that included a presidential debate, political rallies and White House meetings with Congress.A scramble is under way in Washington to determine how far coronavirus infection has spread in the top ranks of the US leadership after Donald Trump tested positive, in a week that included a presidential debate, political rallies and White House meetings with Congress.
The White House said its medical unit had begun contact-tracing on Thursday. Among those who may have been exposed is the Democratic challenger for the presidency, Joe Biden, who stood a few feet away from Trump for the 90 minutes of Tuesday night’s televised debate. Epidemiologists said that if Trump tested positive on Thursday morning he could have been infectious at that time.The White House said its medical unit had begun contact-tracing on Thursday. Among those who may have been exposed is the Democratic challenger for the presidency, Joe Biden, who stood a few feet away from Trump for the 90 minutes of Tuesday night’s televised debate. Epidemiologists said that if Trump tested positive on Thursday morning he could have been infectious at that time.
The two candidates did not shake hands under Covid rules, and their lecterns were about 3 metres (10ft) apart, but for the majority of the debate the president was speaking, sometimes at high volume, in Biden’s direction in an indoor venue in Cleveland.The two candidates did not shake hands under Covid rules, and their lecterns were about 3 metres (10ft) apart, but for the majority of the debate the president was speaking, sometimes at high volume, in Biden’s direction in an indoor venue in Cleveland.
Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at George Mason University, said it was “entirely possible” Biden had been exposed, as Trump would have been infectious for 48 hours before testing positive.Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at George Mason University, said it was “entirely possible” Biden had been exposed, as Trump would have been infectious for 48 hours before testing positive.
Also on the list for possible exposure is the vice-president, Mike Pence, the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, Trump’s pick for the supreme court, Amy Coney Barrett, and the Senate Republicans they visited this week to prepare for Barrett’s confirmation hearings.Also on the list for possible exposure is the vice-president, Mike Pence, the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, Trump’s pick for the supreme court, Amy Coney Barrett, and the Senate Republicans they visited this week to prepare for Barrett’s confirmation hearings.
The list also include Trump’s children and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, along with other senior White House staffers who accompanied Trump from Washington to the Cleveland debate and back. Few if any of them are reported to have worn masks on Air Force One.The list also include Trump’s children and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, along with other senior White House staffers who accompanied Trump from Washington to the Cleveland debate and back. Few if any of them are reported to have worn masks on Air Force One.
Read more here: Fears Joe Biden may have been exposed after Trump tests positive for CovidRead more here: Fears Joe Biden may have been exposed after Trump tests positive for Covid
Jake Sherman from Politico has these thoughts on some of the ramifications of Donald Trump contracting coronavirus.Jake Sherman from Politico has these thoughts on some of the ramifications of Donald Trump contracting coronavirus.
He notes that there is a deficit of public trust in the White House.He notes that there is a deficit of public trust in the White House.
This week the regular Axios/Ipsos poll reported that:This week the regular Axios/Ipsos poll reported that:
Sherman also points out that we are in uncharted territory as to what now happens with the election campaign.Sherman also points out that we are in uncharted territory as to what now happens with the election campaign.
Aside from the Trump-Biden debates, there may now be a question over next week’s scheduled Pence-Harris debate. If the vice-president has been exposed to the virus via Donald Trump, will that be able to go ahead?Aside from the Trump-Biden debates, there may now be a question over next week’s scheduled Pence-Harris debate. If the vice-president has been exposed to the virus via Donald Trump, will that be able to go ahead?
Finally, Sherman suggests that it is an incredible blow to Trump’s campaign messaging.Finally, Sherman suggests that it is an incredible blow to Trump’s campaign messaging.
There’s going to be huge scrutiny of the actions of Trump and his associates over the last few days when they may have been carrying the coronavirus.There’s going to be huge scrutiny of the actions of Trump and his associates over the last few days when they may have been carrying the coronavirus.
One video clip that is already repeatedly doing the rounds on social media is from Tuesday night’s debate. It shows the friends and family of both presidential candidates in the audience, and a lot of people are noting that while Joe Biden’s wife, Jill, was complying with the request for audience members to wear face masks, the Trump entourage were not.One video clip that is already repeatedly doing the rounds on social media is from Tuesday night’s debate. It shows the friends and family of both presidential candidates in the audience, and a lot of people are noting that while Joe Biden’s wife, Jill, was complying with the request for audience members to wear face masks, the Trump entourage were not.
Various world leaders have offered their best wishes to the Trumps.Various world leaders have offered their best wishes to the Trumps.
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said: “Like millions of Israelis, [my wife] Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery.”The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said: “Like millions of Israelis, [my wife] Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery.”
The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, said: “Our good wishes for speedy recovery to our Friends … Poland and USA will get through the hardships and succeed in fighting Covid-19.” The European nation has just recorded its highest ever single day of new coronavirus cases.The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, said: “Our good wishes for speedy recovery to our Friends … Poland and USA will get through the hardships and succeed in fighting Covid-19.” The European nation has just recorded its highest ever single day of new coronavirus cases.
The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said in a tweet: “I wish a speedy recovery to US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, who tested positive for Covid-19. I sincerely hope that they will overcome the quarantine period without problems and regain their health as soon as possible.”The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said in a tweet: “I wish a speedy recovery to US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, who tested positive for Covid-19. I sincerely hope that they will overcome the quarantine period without problems and regain their health as soon as possible.”
In a telegram, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, told his US counterpart: “I am certain that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus.”In a telegram, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, told his US counterpart: “I am certain that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus.”
Trump may not enjoy the sentiments of the French government spokesperson, Gabriel Attal, quite so much: “This demonstrates that the virus spares no one, including those who have shown scepticism. I wish him a swift recovery.”Trump may not enjoy the sentiments of the French government spokesperson, Gabriel Attal, quite so much: “This demonstrates that the virus spares no one, including those who have shown scepticism. I wish him a swift recovery.”
Pete Buttigieg, who earlier in the year would have hoped by now to be just a few weeks away from facing Donald Trump in an election, has added his best wishes to the growing number of prominent US politicians to tweet about the president’s Covid diagnosis.Pete Buttigieg, who earlier in the year would have hoped by now to be just a few weeks away from facing Donald Trump in an election, has added his best wishes to the growing number of prominent US politicians to tweet about the president’s Covid diagnosis.
It makes a bit of a contrast sitting next to his tweet about the president a few hours earlier.It makes a bit of a contrast sitting next to his tweet about the president a few hours earlier.
Quite the opening paragraph from Matt Flegenheimer, of the New York Times, here:Quite the opening paragraph from Matt Flegenheimer, of the New York Times, here:
He reminds us that when the president re-started his campaign rallies, those who signed up to go to them had to agree to a waiver that they “voluntarily assume all risks” of attending. Flegenheimer won’t be the only one to point out the bravado with which Trump was talking about the virus just this week on the nation’s television screens.He reminds us that when the president re-started his campaign rallies, those who signed up to go to them had to agree to a waiver that they “voluntarily assume all risks” of attending. Flegenheimer won’t be the only one to point out the bravado with which Trump was talking about the virus just this week on the nation’s television screens.
Read it here: New York Times – A president’s positive test and the year that won’t let upRead it here: New York Times – A president’s positive test and the year that won’t let up