Minnesota politicians react and question local impact following President Trump’s positive test

KSTP

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In Minnesota, there are possible concerns over potential cases linked to the positive COVID-19 cases from within the White House.

Trump says he and first lady tested positive for coronavirus

On Wednesday, President Trump was greeted by hundreds of supporters at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

He was not wearing a mask as he took pictures with the crowd and some Republican party officials, including Rep. Kurt Daudt.

In a statement issued Friday, Daudt said:

"First and foremost my prayers are with the President and First Lady for a speedy recovery. I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution I am being tested again on Friday for COVID-19 after testing negative on Tuesday ahead of the President’s visit. I will remain in self-quarantine until results are received."

President Donald Trump gives the thumbs-up as he walks from Marine One to the White House in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, as he returns from Bedminster, N.J.[AP/ Carolyn Kaster]

Congressman Tom Emmer also tweeted a picture with Rep. Pete Stauber and Rep. Jim Hagedorn on Air Force One.

Emmer told KSTP’s Tom Hauser he will get another COVID-19 test Friday.

Stauber also reported he will get a COVID-19 test Friday morning:

"Before embarking to Duluth on Air Force One two days ago, I tested negative for COVID-19. After learning about the President’s diagnosis earlier this morning, I immediately contacted the House Attending Physician and I am following their strict recommendations, which included getting tested again this morning. In the meantime, I will be praying for the President and First Lady’s speedy recovery. We continue to take the virus seriously and are thankful the overwhelming majority of people recover."

Stauber later tested negative for the virus.

Hagedorn’s office released the following statement Friday:

Because Congressman Hagedorn was a guest on Wednesday’s Air Force One flight to and from Duluth, MN, the congressman was administered a COVID-19 test (Friday) morning by the Office of the Attending Physician. The results are expected to be available later today.

Also this morning Rep. Hagedorn spoke directly with Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress. Because Congressman Hagedorn’s interactions with the president and others who tested positive did not meet the criteria of close contact – within a distance of six feet for a duration of more than 15 minutes – Dr. Monahan advised the congressman to continue his official duties, such as voting on the House floor, wear a mask, and delay air travel until the results of his COVID-19 test are confirmed as ‘negative.’

Congressman Hagedorn wishes President and Mrs. Trump, and all dealing with illness, a full and speedy recovery.

Rep. Hagedorn tested negative for COVID-19 later in the day.

Additionally, Congressman Jason Lewis said given his interaction with the president on Wednesday, he has begun the quarantine process and will be getting a COVID-19 test "as soon as possible."

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka will also be tested and has begun quarantining at home, according to a Senate spokeswoman.

Several state leaders responded to the news that the president and first lady had tested positive for the virus.

Gov. Tim Walz, on Friday, said via Twitter, "Having just surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 cases, Minnesotans know firsthand that this virus is serious. Gwen and I send our prayers to the President and First Lady. We wish them a speedy recovery."

On Friday afternoon, Senator Amy Klobuchar tweeted a statement offering her thoughts and prayers to Trump and the first lady.

Rep. Dean Phillips also tweeted a response to Trump’s diagnosis, stating, in part, "I wish the President, First Lady, and Hope Hicks a speedy recovery."

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said, in part via Twitter, he is "glad @POTUS & @FLOTUS got tested & treatment quickly after COVID-19 exposure."

Rep. Ilhan Omar released the following statement regarding President Trump’s positive test:

“As someone who lost my own father to this virus and seen the pain it causes, I do not wish it on anyone.

“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 acknowledgment 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. 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 traveled 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.

“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.”

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan released the following statement Friday:

"Due to a busy campaign schedule that took me to other parts of the state, I was not at any events involving the President in Minnesota on Wednesday. We wish our President, First Lady, Hope Hicks and any others impacted a speedy recovery to good health."

The Minnesota DFL party issued the following statement on the matter:

"All of us at the Minnesota DFL Party wish the President and First Lady a swift and full recovery from COVID-19. We are praying for their health and the well-being of those they have come into contact with in the past few days.

"This troubling news underscores the ongoing threat posed to us all by the coronavirus pandemic. We must remain vigilant, follow the CDC guidelines, and abide by Minnesota’s mask order to limit the spread of this virus and protect our health and that of our friends, families, and communities."

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said via Twitter Friday that he and his wife "are sending our best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in their recovery."

Trump headed to a private home on Lake Minnetonka for a fundraiser. Then, later in the evening, the president traveled to Duluth for a campaign rally.

President Trump visits Duluth for campaign event

White House senior aide Hope Hicks came down with the virus after traveling with the president several times this week.