I led from the front, says defiant Trump

Donald Trump made a triumphant return to the White House, urging Americans not to be afraid of the coronavirus that had sent him to hospital for three nights.

‘Don’t be afraid of Covid’: Donald Trump returns to the White House on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

Donald Trump made a triumphant return to the White House on Tuesday (AEDT), taking off his mask and saluting in a message to Americans not to be afraid of the coronavirus that had sent him to hospital for three nights.

The US President recorded a defiant video to the backdrop of US flags framing a view of the Washington monument, declaring he knew there was a risk in activities that led to his infection but saying: “I stood out front. I led”.

Despite the improvement in his condition and the defiant gestures on the south portico of the White House after leaving the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethsheda, Maryland, Mr Trump’s doctors warned he was not “out of the woods yet” .

The coronavirus cluster in the White House has worsened, with press secretary Kayleigh McEn­any and two of her deputies testing positive for COVID-19.

“Though he may not be entirely out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations — and, most importantly, his clinical status — support the President’s safe return home,” White House doctor Sean Conley said.

“Over the past 24 hours, the President has continued to ­improve. We all remain cautiously optimistic and on guard because we’re in a bit of uncharted territory when it comes to a ­patient who received the therapies he has.”

Dr Conley said it had been three days since Mr Trump had a fever, he had no “respiratory complaints” and that his vital signs were good.

Mr Trump, who had been pushing doctors to allow him to leave hospital, tweeted that he felt ­“really good” and told people not to be afraid of the coronavirus, which has so far killed 210,000 Americans.

“Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of COVID. Don’t let it dominate your life … I feel better than I did 20 years ago,” he ­tweeted. He said the Trump ­administration had overseen the development of “really great” drugs and knowledge.

Trump supporters outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

Doctors said that the second week, a period when the condition of COVID-19 patients can suddenly worsen, would be the key to the President’s recovery. “So we’re looking to this weekend — if we can get through to Monday with him remaining the same, or improving, better yet, then we will all take that final deep sigh of relief,” Dr Conley said.

He said that the President would remain infectious for roughly 10 days, during which he will be unable to return to the campaign trail. However, the Trump campaign communications manager, Tim Murtaugh, said the President planned to take part in the second debate against his Democrat ­opponent Joe Biden, which is scheduled for Oct­ober 16 (AEDT) in Miami.

“It is the President’s intention to debate,” Mr Murtaugh said.

Mr Biden has said he is ready to debate Mr Trump so long as it is safe for everyone. “Whether it’s safe for Trump and him to participate (in next week’s debate. I’ll do whatever the experts say. I think we should be very cautious. If they say it’s safe, that’s fine,” he said.

Mr Trump hit back at those who criticised him for allegedly endangering the health of secret service agents doing a drive-past of supporters outside the hospital on Monday.

“It is reported the media is upset because I got into a secure vehicle to say thank you to the many fans and supporters who were standing outside of the hospital for many hours, and even days, to pay their respects to their president. If I didn’t do it, Media would say RUDE!!!,” he tweeted.

Ms McEnany tested positive on Tuesday (AEDT) after previously testing negative each day since last Friday (AEDT). She briefed White House ­reporters without wearing a mask as recently as Monday. Ms McEnany, who had had close dealings with several people in the West Wing, said she had no symptoms. She joins a long list of people in Mr Trump’s inner circle who have recently tested positive for the virus. They include advisers Hope Hicks, KellyAnne Conway, Chris Christie as well as campaign manager Bill Stepien and Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.

First lady Melania Trump, who also has COVID-19, tweeted that she was “feeling good”. “My family is grateful for all of the prayers & support! I am feeling good & will continue to rest at home. Thank you to medical staff & caretakers everywhere, & my continued prayers for those who are ill or have a family member ­impacted by the virus.”

Cameron Stewart is also US contributor for Sky News Australia