How many have considered what would occur if Trump comes down wth the COVID-19? The effects of this condition would have far reaching effects well beyond the logistics of the President possibly being sick.
Right now the US stock markets are enjoying a rally based on HOPE, rather than actual economic data and conditions. Much of this hope revolves around President Trump who consistently promotes positiveness related to the horrible effects this pandemic has had on the economy. He and his Administration has done a fantastic job of underplaying the true situation we are in and the stock market is hopeful his economic prowess can not only repeat what he did during his first three years but even beat it.
If President Trump becomes sickened with COVID-19 all bets are off. The HOPE and OPTIMISM in the markets would most certainly dissipate and numbers would crash. The overall sentiment among citizens would change and morale would drop. It would be catastrophic.
Why is this such a concern at this point in time? First off, many in the White House – including the Coronavirus Task Force and many aides to those members – do not wear PPE on a consistent basis. Next, there are now positive COVID-19 cases in the White House very close to the President and Vice President(Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller and a military valet to the president). This is significant and several Task Force members have now self-quarantined. These members include FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and CDC Director Robert Redfield. Anthony Fauci himself is reportedly working from home due to the COVID-19 cases in the White House.
It is reported that Pence spokeswoman Miller was testing negative right up to the day she became symptomatic and then tested positive. As we all know many are contagious prior to becoming symptomatic, thus it is likely her negative tests were false. Who has she exposed and possibly infected?
President Trump is certainly in the high-risk category for anyone being exposed to the contagion. He is 73 years old and overweight. Pence himself is younger and in better shape, but certainly not in the low-risk category. I have no doubt their health is being monitored closely and we all need to pray that they remain healthy and virus-free. Should either one of them contract the virus it will certainly add additional complexity to an already volatile situation.
Stay vigilant!
Rourke