Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) attacked President Donald Trump late on Friday afternoon following the president’s positive test result for COVID-19, saying that he was “actively spreading a deadly virus” and that he was a “risk” to public health.
Omar made the attack in a statement posted to her official government Twitter account where she began by noting that her father died from the virus.
“As someone who lost my own father to this virus and seen the pain it causes, I do not wish it on anyone,” Omar wrote. “Over 200,000 people have now died while this Administration actively ignores public health guidance and suppresses science. For months, we have been hoping for a simple acknowledgement from the President—to hear the words, ‘We will get through this together.’ And now we only hear those words when it is about him—not the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their lives, and the millions whose families have been touched by it because of his malfeasance.”
“Their cruelty is a direct threat to my constituents,” Omar continued. “This week, the President held a rally and fundraiser in Minnesota, flouting the guidance of his own health agencies by failing to wear a mask. In doing so, he exposed hundreds in a state that is already suffering from an uptick in cases. Republican members of our Congressional delegation travelled with him on Air Force One and have not quarantined. In fact, they came to the Capitol today, risking the lives of additional elected leaders and staff.”
Omar concluded, “The President of the United States and Republicans in Minnesota are actively spreading a deadly virus. They are a risk to the public health of my constituents and our country.”
Omar’s attacks on the president following his positive test result for COVID-19 comes as the president was transported late on Friday afternoon to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“President Trump remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day,” Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days. President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady.”
“Following PCR-confirmation of the President’s diagnosis, as a precautionary measure he received a single 8 gram dose of Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody cocktail,” White House physician Sean Conley, D.O., said in a statement. “He completed the infusion without incident. In addition to the polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin.”
“As of this afternoon the President remains fatigued but in good spirits,” the statement continued. “He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps.”
This story has been updated to include additional background information.