Last night, at 9:54 PM (PST), President Donald Trump announced that he and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. He is believed to have contracted it from White House advisor Hope Hicks, who tested positive earlier that day. 

“Overall I think that this news will have a negative impact on Trump’s campaign. Many of his planned rallies have been cancelled as a result of this news,” says AV science teacher Timothy Sakogawa.

President Trump has repeatedly said that the virus is “going to disappear” and that it “affects virtually nobody.” This has led many of his followers to consider the virus a “hoax,” and neglect to wear masks–despite CDC recommendations. 

Trump’s contracting of the virus may alter these opinions towards a more scientific approach. 

On Tuesday night, during the presidential debate, Trump said, “I don’t wear masks like [Joe Biden], every time you see him he’s got a mask! He could be speaking two hundred feet away from me and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen!” 

The president’s positive test result leads one to think that masks may have been useful that night, so as to protect those around him who are also at high risk. 

“[Trump] has to quarantine which will probably be a reality check for both him and anyone who hasn’t taken this worldwide pandemic seriously up until now,” says Sakogawa. 

Trump is also in the high risk category for coronavirus complications. He is in the obese weight class (at over 240 pounds) and is 74 years old, both of which increase risk in regards to COVID-19.

So, political troubles aside, there are concerns as to whether or not the president will be in sufficient physical health to return to the vigorous schedule he would have been participating in—both the duties of a president and a candidate.

Luckily, the president has access to the top medical teams in the world who will be working around the clock to keep him in good health, and—despite mild symptoms—he still appears to be in good shape. 

“I am not sure if [Trump] will be able to make a full recovery especially since he is 74 years old which makes him in the high risk group,” says Rhea Bhandari (‘22) 

President Trump’s health will be a deciding factor in this election. He could potentially become too sick to participate at a high rigor in his campaign, or he could make a full recovery, yet still be required to quarantine with the first lady for, at minimum, 14 days. 

Considering the election is in 32 days and October is typically reserved for strong campaigning and candidate debates, the virus could not have been contracted at a more dire time. 

At this point, only time will tell what the effects of the President contracting COVID-19 will be. Check back soon for more updates on the situation.