Health & Fitness
MA Politicians React To Trump's Positive Coronavirus Test
Massachusetts politicians used the first family's diagnosis as a reminder of the massive toll of the pandemic.
WORCESTER, MA — As of Friday morning, more than 7.2 million Americans had tested positive for coronavirus since last winter — a number that now includes President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
As Massachusetts awoke to the news Friday morning, elected officials took to social media to react, using the first family's diagnosis as a reminder of how big a toll the pandemic has taken on the nation.
More than 130,000 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for the disease, and over 9,200 have died. The state has been the site of one of the deadliest single outbreaks at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, and the pandemic has crippled the state's economy and shuttered beloved local businesses — Massachusetts at one point No. 1 in the nation for unemployment.
In a mostly Democratic state, Massachusetts politicians wished the Trump family well, but also underscored that a president who downplayed the pandemic now faces a disease that has killed 207,000 people here.
They also reminded residents to protect themselves and other by wearing masks.
"A COVID-19 diagnosis is an awful thing that far too many Americans have had to confront—including 200,000 who have tragically died. I wish the first family a quick recovery. I’m praying for our country. Please, please, please wear a mask, keep your distance & stay safe America." — U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester)
"I wish the President and everyone around him a fast recovery. Wear a god damn mask." — U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Newton)
"COVID-19 is a brutal disease. Thousands of Americans have been deeply impacted by this virus. Thousands more have lost their lives. It didn’t have to be this way.
"My heart is with every family gripped by the fear, uncertainty and grief of this pandemic and the failed White House response. I certainly hope the Trump family and White House staff make a full recovery. Every day I’m fighting for critical legislation and funding to support the teachers, healthcare workers, janitors, and grocery store workers, and other essential workers on the front lines in my district. Every family deserves access to health care and relief in the midst of this crisis." — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Boston)
"I wish the President and the First Lady a full recovery. This is a serious virus that’s caused incredible loss and devastation. I urge all Americans to protect themselves and their community by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing." — U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose)
"I hope the President and the First Lady make a full and speedy recovery. This is another stark reminder that no one is immune from #COVID19. Please continue to be vigilant. Wear a mask. Maintain social distancing. Listen to the experts." — U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Lowell)
"Please wear a mask. Social distance. Take this seriously. Covid knows no boundaries." — State Rep. Maria Robinson (D-Framingham)
"Wishing President @realDonaldTrump a speedy recovery." — State Rep. Tommy Vitolo (D-Brookline)
"Out of radical love for people and our country, wear your mask." — Ihssane Leckey, former candidate for the 4th Congressional District.
"Two things: 1. Wishing the President, First Lady, and any impacted staffers a speedy recovery. 2. Wear a [angry face emoji] mask." — Jesse Mermell, former candidate for the 4th Congressional District.
