President Trump has arrived at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where he will stay and work out of an office for the next few days “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the White House.
The White House press corps captured images of the president walking to Marine One, and waving to reporters. According to reporters present, he appeared to walk normally and without trouble.
The trip to Walter Reed comes after Mr. Trump received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis overnight. CBS News has confirmed Mr. Trump has mild symptoms, including a low-grade fever. The first lady is not accompanying the president to the hospital.
“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,” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. “President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady.”
Once the president had landed, his account tweeted out a video filmed today of the president saying he thinks he’s doing well and he appreciates everyone’s support.
Mr. Trump, a prolific tweeter, has not tweeted since he announced his diagnosis on Twitter at 12:54 a.m. Friday. Vice President Pence took over a phone call he was supposed to host on seniors vulnerable seniors to COVID-19.
The president’s physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo Friday afternoon that the president is “fatigued” but remains in good spirits. Conley said an antibody cocktail dose has been given to the president, and he is taking vitamins.
The positive COVID-19 diagnosis is keeping the president from in-person campaigning for now; planned events around the country have been canceled. It is unclear when the president will be returning to his normal schedule.
According to an administration official, Vice President Mike Pence is at the Naval Observatory and remains in good health.
White House communications director Alyssa Farah confirmed the president has not transferred power to Pence.
“The president is in charge,” Farah said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
