United States President Donald Trump has released a video from the hospital in which he stated that he is feeling much better and that he is being well cared for. In the video, a pale Trump, said that doctors told him that the next 48 hours would be crucial in his recovery.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2020
In the video, he states:
"I came here, wasn't feeling so well, I'm much better now."
There have been contradictory reports regarding the president's diagnosis, health and condition. With a source telling journalists earlier that Trump had required supplementary oxygen and that his vital signs were extremely worrying. Official statements from doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre close to Washington DC, where he is being treated, said that the president was doing fine and that he was taken there simply out of an abundance of caution.
Trump's weight and age mean that he is far more likely to suffer from complications from CoVid-19 than those who are younger and slimmer.
The First Lady Melania Trump is said to be still at the White House and feeling perfectly well. In the video, Trump joked about the substantial age difference between himself, 74, and Melania, 50, and how age can affect the likelihood of someone suffering from severe CoVid-19 complications.
Trump was quoted as saying by his doctor, Dr. Sean Dooley, that:
"I feel like I could walk out of here today."
Former President Barack Obama, during an online fundraiser for the Joe Biden campaign, passed on a message of support to Trump and his family saying:
"Michelle and I hope that the President, First Lady, and all those affected by the coronavirus around the country are getting the care they need and are on the path to a speedy recovery."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2020
Biden also stated his support tweeting:
"May God protect the First Family and every family that's dealing with this virus."
Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020
Twitter itself has brought in a new policy in light of the Trump diagnosis, warning anyone that joked or wished death upon Trump would have their tweets deleted and that such actions violate the platform's policy.
"Tweets that wish or hope for death, serious bodily harm or fatal disease against *anyone* are not allowed and will need to be removed."
This itself caused an uproar as twitter has for years been accused of failing to protect users from abuse and hatred. Indeed, the far-right and hate groups have a huge presence on twitter, and have been frequently seen to intentionally target individuals with extreme abuse and threats.
US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez mocked the companies double-standards policy tweeting:
So... you mean to tell us you could‘ve done this the whole time? https://t.co/7OmgEYjWnI
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 3, 2020
COMMENTS