CLEVELAND — Reaction has been pouring in from around the world after news broke early Friday morning that President Donald Trump and the First Lady both tested positive for COVID-19.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was the first political figure in Ohio to offer his reaction, which came shortly before 7 a.m.
“Fran and I join our fellow Ohioans in praying for President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump after they announced early today that they have both tested positive for COVID-19," he said. "Along with millions of others, we extend our prayers and best wishes to the President and First Lady during this time for a speedy recovery and for their good health."
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See more reaction from other Ohio lawmakers below. We will update this story with more reaction as it comes in.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted
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Senator Rob Portman
Jane & I send our best wishes to President and Melania Trump for a speedy recovery. I’m glad they immediately began to quarantine and I hope everyone will support their recovery by continuing to do their part to slow the spread by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
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Senator Sherrod Brown
I wish the President, First Lady, and White House staffers a speedy recovery. The President has the best health care in the world, paid for by taxpayers. I hope this might cause him to rethink his lawsuit to repeal the ACA in the middle of a pandemic.
Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan
Andrea and my thoughts are with the President and First Lady this morning. We are praying for their safety and a speedy recovery.
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House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes
Americans woke this morning to this news of which the ripple effects are yet to be seen. This is a very somber moment for our country in a year of somber moments.
The President’s diagnosis poses a risk for not only our national security, our economic stability but also our upcoming election. I wish the President, First Lady and his team a speedy recovery and I encourage my fellow Americans to do the same. We all need to recognize the severity of this virus and encourage mask-wearing and social distancing; we all need to follow the guidelines and I am relieved to hear that the President, who has refused to follow so many of the guidelines, now plans to quarantine.
Sitting in the debate hall on Tuesday, I was concerned with so many in the President’s entourage who refused to wear masks, despite urging from Cleveland Clinic physicians. I am frustrated today as I worry now about my own health and the health of so many others who were present that evening like journalists, support staff, Cleveland Clinic professionals, and many others who could have potentially been exposed.
This didn’t have to happen. If more would follow the guidelines, this wouldn’t continue to happen.
Note: Sykes said she is self-isolating at this time and will get tested as she awaits more formal and official guidance from the proper health authorities. She was tested on Tuesday, as a requirement of debate organizers, and received negative results that afternoon.
RELATED: President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis comes days after family attends Cleveland debate without masks
