Nancy Pelosi has suggested that a lack of mask wearing may have come back to haunt Donald Trump.(Reuters: Ken Cedeno)
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has joined world leaders in wishing US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania well after their COVID-19 diagnoses.
Key points:
Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson and Silvio Berlusconi have sent their support to the President and First Lady
World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has joined leaders to wish the Trumps well
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped the Trumps’ positive diagnoses could be a learning experience for Americans
But she also suggested that Mr Trump had invited his ill health.
Ms Pelosi made the comments in an interview with US television network MSNBC.
“This is tragic. It’s very sad,” Ms Pelosi said of the positive tests.
Mr Berlusconi cited his own personal experience battling the disease as a reason Mr Trump could beat it.
“I want to pass on my best wishes to President Trump, his wife and staff, and all the victims of COVID-19. I know this disease from personal experience. It can be treacherous, but it can be overcome if you are correct and courageous,” he said.
Even some of Mr Trump’s adversaries, including World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has been attacked by Mr Trump on multiple occasions, sent well-wishes.
“My best wishes to President Donald Trump and FLOTUS for a full and speedy recovery,” Dr Tedros wrote on Twitter.
The Trump administration in July formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from WHO, although the move will not take effect until next year.
Mr Trump claims the UN health agency is in need of reform and is heavily influenced by China.
Chinese media doesn’t hold back
And while Dr Tedros was magnanimous, some in the Chinese media were not.
The China Daily in particular took aim in a column pointing out, just as Ms Pelosi did, that Mr Trump’s insistence that he not wear a mask may have played a major factor.
“The positive test is yet another reminder that the coronavirus continues to spread, even as Mr Trump has tried desperately to suggest it no longer poses a danger,” an editorial read.
“Since it emerged earlier this year, Trump, the White House and his campaign have played down the threat and refused to abide by basic public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing masks in public and practicing social distancing.”
