# Trump and Melania test positive for COVID-19 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 2, 2020, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010 "2020-10-02T05:07:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 46
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/905 "2020-10-04T21:53:23Z")
So, there were 2, 3 other people inside that car with him? People that presumably don’t have COVID-19, yet. Sure, they are all wearing masks, but masks aren’t foolproof. I mean, we KNOW that Trump is infected. Yet these guys have to expose themselves to a deadly disease just to stroke Trump’s ego. And it’s even worse if you believe the conservative spin that “masks don’t work”. ETA— ninjaed , it was an obvious point. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/906 "2020-10-04T21:53:56Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Did the agents in the car have to draw straws or what? They’re hired to take bullets for the President, and I’m sure he reminds them of this fact every 9 seconds. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/907 "2020-10-04T21:55:41Z")
That’s when protecting the President’s _life_, not his fucking ego. Though the two are entwined. It’s too bad the Service can’t collectively tell him to take a flying leap. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/908 "2020-10-04T22:03:00Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > That’s when protecting the President’s _life_ , not his fucking ego. Though the two are entwined. > It’s too bad the Service can’t collectively tell him to take a flying leap. Someday, one of them is going to claim they infected him with COVID and ask for a Medal of Honor. Can’t say I’d oppose. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/909 "2020-10-04T22:04:24Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > So, there were 2, 3 other people inside that car with him? People that presumably don’t have COVID-19, yet. Sure, they are all wearing masks, but masks aren’t foolproof. I mean, we KNOW that Trump is infected. I imagine there is an effective divider between the secret service guys in the front seat and the president riding in the back. Long as there is nobody back there with him, the agents in front are likely reasonably safe. Still a fuckshow. Also, no fucking way Typhoid Mary is leaving the hospital tomorrow. If he was, there would be no need for this circus right now. ---
**Author:** ![Junior\_Spaceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Junior\_Spaceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Junior_Spaceman)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/910 "2020-10-04T22:10:04Z")
It seems that the people with Trump in the car were fully kitted up with PPE to protect them, but the absurdity of doing what he did yet again underscores why we don’t need to get out the magnifying glass and search through metadata to find out that he’s what happens when you make a toddler the most powerful man in the world. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/911 "2020-10-04T22:18:54Z")
One would hope so, but the news clips I saw had pretty good shots of the interior of that car, and I didn’t see evidence of it. I’ve watched the clip several times, there’s actually a pretty good shot showing the space between the front and back seats from several angles and I saw no evidence of a barrier. Plus, if there was a barrier Trump probably wouldn’t be wearing the biggest mask I’ve ever seen. ETA: The news just mentioned that the vehicle is completely sealed, ventilation-wise ( no outside air can make its way in, precaution against chemical attack). Which leads me to think the car probably has a ventilation system that relies heavily on recirculation and a barrier might not provide effective isolation. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/912 "2020-10-04T22:21:30Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > ETA: The news just mentioned that the vehicle is completely sealed, ventilation-wise ( no outside air can make its way in, precaution against chemical attack). Which leads me to think the car probably has a ventilation system that relies heavily on recirculation and a barrier might not provide effective isolation. You’d have to surmise, then, that they use HEPA filtration … which … would only reduce the risk. I think it would be hard to argue that DJT didn’t put these agents at gratuitous risk. About as hard as it would be to argue that his approach to COVID has been anything better than garbage. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/913 "2020-10-04T22:21:31Z")
Sometimes, VIP care can be a curse, not a blessing. Time will tell if that’s the case here. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/914 "2020-10-04T22:29:41Z")
You’re probably right. That SUV doesn’t look like it was built with the barrier you’d find in the president’s limo. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/915 "2020-10-04T22:31:09Z")
Thank you - that’s helpful info. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/916 "2020-10-04T22:31:10Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Reckless endangerment. They knew his policies all right. But actually to expose them to the virus, on purpose and secretly, I’d be phoning my lawyer. These people paid up to $250,000 to be there. They can definitely afford lawyers. I can see one of them suing if they got covid. If they sue, it might even help in determining when Trump knew he was positive. Only because the Trump administration is not as good at covering their tracks as they think they are. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/917 "2020-10-04T22:31:43Z")
Just posted on the interwebs: “We’re just driving around trying to get the baby to sleep.” ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/918 "2020-10-04T22:31:58Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > If the Secret Service detail wasn’t resentful before … > > “Get in the F’n car. I want to go wave at the troglodytes !!” They should have taken a leaf from [Mitt Romney’s book](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/enhanced/web03/2012/1/14/12/enhanced-buzz-31827-1326562677-4.jpg?output-quality=auto&output-format=auto&downsize=640:*) and put Donald in a crate strapped to the top of the car. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/919 "2020-10-04T22:50:07Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > This is the gesture that lets them say “We told you he’d be out of the hospital before Monday.” John Cleese tweeted, “They keep saying Trump might leave the hospital Monday, but they haven’t indicated _how_ he might leave the hospital…” ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/920 "2020-10-04T22:52:21Z")
Las Vegas Sun is reporting Barr is self quarantining. Take with as many shakers of salt as you like. On the other side, I recall reading that five days out for exposure is a key time for testing. It’s five days for Biden right now. I assume that since I haven’t heard anything that he tested negative again? He claimed he’d be forthcoming with results. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/921 "2020-10-04T22:52:32Z")
[ Dr. James P. Phillips, MD @DrPhillipsMD ](https://twitter.com/DrPhillipsMD) · [1h](https://twitter.com/DrPhillipsMD/status/1312869454385229827) That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play. ---
**Author:** ![Junior\_Spaceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Junior\_Spaceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Junior_Spaceman)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/922 "2020-10-04T22:55:00Z")
So I know that Secret Service are meant to take a bullet for the President, but does that include if he’s the one waving the gun around? (Metaphorically or literally). ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/923 "2020-10-04T22:58:27Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > > > drive by waving for his supporters. the rode out, turned around, and rode back. > > Is this for real right now? Just when you think it could not be any more of a circus, the head clown turns the fuckshow up to 11. Yep. AND putting the health of every secret service agent in the SUV at risk. All of those agents will now have to quarantine for 14 days. They may become seriously ill. For what? Political theater with a sick man who’s ego demanded a parade and damn the consequences. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/924 "2020-10-04T23:11:00Z")
Aha, CNN confirms on Barr, through Justice Dept. spokesperson: [William Barr to self-quarantine 'for now,' spokesperson says | CNN Politics](https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/04/politics/william-barr-quarantine-coronavirus/index.html) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010.md?page=45) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010.md?page=47)