By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) – US President Donald Trump is experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms Friday after announcing that he and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive.
Multiple reports said the president is experiencing symptoms, and the New York Times additionally reported he is feeling lethargic. All reports cited anonymous sources.
An email sent to the White House requesting comment was not immediately returned.
The president is among those at highest risk for the virus' most dire health consequences. He is medically considered obese, and at 74 years old is elderly. Both groups make up individuals at highest risk for severe health consequences from COVID-19.
Trump and his physician confirmed his diagnosis early Friday morning.
"Tonight, @FLOTUS [US first lady] and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" said Trump on Twitter.
The president's announcement came hours after Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest aides who traveled with him as recently as Wednesday evening, tested positive for the virus.
Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the severity of the virus, and has repeatedly appeared in public without a mask. Many of his family members and supporters declined to don them during Tuesday night's debate, violating the event's rules even as staff attempted to have audience members wear the protective face coverings.
