President Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis sparks sympathy, mockery and concern worldwide
President Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis sparked some negative reactions Friday, as well as mockery, in addition to messages of sympathy and support for one of the most powerful men in the world.
The commander in chief announced on Twitter around 1 a.m. that he and first lady Melania Trump have contracted COVID-19 and already started the quarantining process. It came just hours after news came that one of his top advisers, Hope Hicks, had also been infected.
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
Politicians and other public figures around the world were quick to weigh in and offer their well-wishes, including Vice President Mike Pence, who has since tested negative for the virus.
“Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump,” Pence tweeted.
“We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.”
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was also among the many well-wishers on Friday. According to the Interfax news agency, Putin sent Trump a telegram voicing his support.
“I am certain that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus,” Putin said, according to Russian media.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with coronavirus earlier on in the pandemic, similarly offered the President and first lady his best wishes.
The British leader in April spent about a week in a London hospital, including several days in intensive care.
My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 2, 2020
“Sophie and I are sending our best wishes to @POTUS and @FLOTUS,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted. “We hope you both get well soon and have a full recovery from the virus.”
The prime ministers of India and Pakistan, Narendra Modi and Imran Khan, were also among those sending their sympathies to the first couple.
“Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health,” Modi posted on Twitter.
Khan similarly wished the Trumps a “speedy recovery" — sentiments echoed by most people around the world. But not everyone could bring themselves to offer the president sympathy, with critics pointing out how he not only downplayed the virus for months, but also ignored the advice of his own scientists.
“BET YOU WANNA” wear a mask now 😩😩😩 https://t.co/jp6NTiGztO
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) October 2, 2020
“'BET YOU WANNA' wear a mask now,” Cardi B wrote in a tweet early Friday morning.
George Conway, vocal Trump critic and husband of former presidential aide, Kellyanne Conway, added: “He failed to protect the country. He couldn’t even protect himself.”
The positive test results for Trump and his wife was also the most searched topic in China on the widely used social media app Weibo in wake of the announcement, with most comments mocking or critical.
One user darkly joked that Trump had finally tweeted something positive.
With News Wire Services
