Trump testing positive for COVID-19 raises concerns about potential impact in Minnesota - KSTP

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It was an honor to greet President @realDonaldTrump as he arrived in Minnesota for his latest campaign visit.

The Trump campaign and @mngop have built an unprecedented ground game and Republicans are fired up to win in November! #mnleg #mngop pic.twitter.com/EXQZ6RkAgv
— Kurt Daudt (@kdaudt) September 30, 2020

In a statement issued Friday, Daudt said:

"First and foremost my prayers are with the President and First Lady for a speedy recovery. I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution I am being tested again on Friday for COVID-19 after testing negative on Tuesday ahead of the President's visit. I will remain in self-quarantine until results are received."

Congressman Tom Emmer also tweeted a picture with Rep. Pete Stauber and Rep. Jim Hagedorn on Air Force One.

It was an honor flying on Air Force One yesterday with my friends @PeteStauber & @JimHagedornMN. Thank you President @realdonaldtrump for the opportunity and for visiting us in Minnesota once again! pic.twitter.com/tq3iTeSt5P
— Tom Emmer (@tomemmer) October 1, 2020

Emmer told KSTP's Tom Hauser he will get another COVID-19 test Friday.

Stauber also reported he will get a COVID-19 test Friday morning:

"Before embarking to Duluth on Air Force One two days ago, I tested negative for COVID-19. After learning about the President's diagnosis earlier this morning, I immediately contacted the House Attending Physician and I am following their strict recommendations, which included getting tested again this morning. In the meantime, I will be praying for the President and First Lady's speedy recovery. We continue to take the virus seriously and are thankful the overwhelming majority of people recover."

Hagedorn's office released the following statement Friday:

Because Congressman Hagedorn was a guest on Wednesday's Air Force One flight to and from Duluth, MN, the congressman was administered a COVID-19 test (Friday) morning by the Office of the Attending Physician. The results are expected to be available later today.

Also this morning Rep. Hagedorn spoke directly with Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress. Because Congressman Hagedorn's interactions with the president and others who tested positive did not meet the criteria of close contact - within a distance of six feet for a duration of more than 15 minutes - Dr. Monahan advised the congressman to continue his official duties, such as voting on the House floor, wear a mask, and delay air travel until the results of his COVID-19 test are confirmed as 'negative.'

Congressman Hagedorn wishes President and Mrs. Trump, and all dealing with illness, a full and speedy recovery.

Additionally, Congressman Jason Lewis said given his interaction with the president on Wednesday, he has begun the quarantine process and will be getting a COVID-19 test "as soon as possible."

Following news of President Trump’s positive COVID test, and given Congressman Lewis’ interaction with President Trump on Wednesday, the Jason Lewis for Senate campaign released the following statement (attached): pic.twitter.com/6hhr0l263H
— Jason Lewis (@LewisForMN) October 2, 2020

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka will also be tested and has begun quarantining at home, according to a Senate spokeswoman.

Several state leaders responded to the news that the president and first lady had tested positive for the virus.

Gov. Tim Walz, on Friday, said via Twitter, "Having just surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 cases, Minnesotans know firsthand that this virus is serious. Gwen and I send our prayers to the President and First Lady. We wish them a speedy recovery."

Having just surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 cases, Minnesotans know firsthand that this virus is serious. Gwen and I send our prayers to the President and First Lady. We wish them a speedy recovery.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) October 2, 2020

Rep. Dean Phillips also tweeted a response to Trump's diagnosis, stating, in part, "I wish the President, First Lady, and Hope Hicks a speedy recovery."

COVID-19 is a serious and unpredictable disease, and I wish the President, First Lady, and Hope Hicks a speedy recovery. I also have those in my district in Minnesota who may have been exposed on my mind. https://t.co/pKSDghZj9n
— Rep. Dean Phillips ???? (@RepDeanPhillips) October 2, 2020

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said, in part via Twitter, he is "glad @POTUS & @FLOTUS got tested & treatment quickly after COVID-19 exposure."

I’m glad @POTUS & @FLOTUS got tested & treatment quickly after #COVID19 exposure. I trust they’ll get the very best care.

I’m thankful they have paid sick leave and a safe home to quarantine & recover.

I pray for them, and for a country that does all of that for all of us, too. https://t.co/KQssnEEZzF
— Melvin Carter (@melvincarter3) October 2, 2020

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan released the following statement Friday:

"Due to a busy campaign schedule that took me to other parts of the state, I was not at any events involving the President in Minnesota on Wednesday. We wish our President, First Lady, Hope Hicks and any others impacted a speedy recovery to good health."

The Minnesota DFL party issued the following statement on the matter:

"All of us at the Minnesota DFL Party wish the President and First Lady a swift and full recovery from COVID-19. We are praying for their health and the well-being of those they have come into contact with in the past few days.

"This troubling news underscores the ongoing threat posed to us all by the coronavirus pandemic. We must remain vigilant, follow the CDC guidelines, and abide by Minnesota's mask order to limit the spread of this virus and protect our health and that of our friends, families, and communities."

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said via Twitter Friday that he and his wife "are sending our best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in their recovery."

Kathy and I are sending our best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in their recovery.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) October 2, 2020

Trump headed to a private home on Lake Minnetonka for a fundraiser. Then, later in the evening, the president traveled to Duluth for a campaign rally.

President Trump visits Duluth for campaign event

White House senior aide Hope Hicks came down with the virus after traveling with the president several times this week.