Barack Obama says he and Michelle wish Donald and Melania Trump a speedy recovery and asserts that 'in the midst of political battles we are all Americans'
Former President Barack Obama is extending his 'best wishes' to President Donald Trump following his coronavirus diagnosis.
Obama said on Friday that even during 'big political battles' it's important to remember that 'we're all Americans, and we're all human beings.'
He spoke during a virtual fundraiser with Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Obama says he and his wife, Michelle Obama, hope for a speedy recovery for the Trumps and anyone who has been affected by coronavirus around the country. First lady Melania Trump also tested positive for the coronavirus.
President Obama wished the Trump's well during a fundraiser on Friday afternoon
Former President Barack Obama along with his wife Michelle is extending his 'best wishes' to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania following their coronavirus diagnosis. The two couples are pictured together in January 2017
'Although we're in the midst of a big political fight, and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the president of the United States, the first Lady.
'Michelle and I are hopeful that they and others that have been affected by COVID-19 around the country are getting the care that they need, that they are going to be on the path to a speedy recovery, and it's important I think for all of us to remember that even when we're in the midst of big political battles with issues that have a lot at stake, that we're all Americans and we're all human beings, and we want to make sure everybody is healthy.
'Michelle and I want to make sure we acknowledge the president and the first lady at this difficult time.'
Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris says she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, share their 'deepest prayers' for the Trumps.
'Let it be a reminder to all of us that we must remain vigilant and take care of ourselves and take care of each other,' she said.
Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Sen. Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff are pictured during a meet & greet earlier this month. They sent 'deepest prayers' to the Trumps
Their comments came amid news that Trump will be taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a 'few days' on the advice of his doctors.
'Doug and I are sharing our deepest prayers for the health and recovery of the president and the first lady. The threat of this virus is real for all of us.
'Let it be a reminder to all of us that we must remain vigilant and take care of ourselves and take care of each other. So Doug and I wish them both well, and please take of yourselves, and take care of each other.'
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has appeared in public for the first time since his COVID-19 diagnosis, giving a thumbs-up before he boarded Marine One for a military hospital.
Trump walked out of the White House to the helicopter Friday evening on his way to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
President Donald Trump waves to members of the media as he leaves the White House to go to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday
The White House says Trump will spend a 'few days' at a military hospital on the advice of his physicians after contracting COVID-19.
The White House says that the visit is precautionary and that Trump will work from the hospital's presidential suite, which is equipped to allow him to continue his official duties.
Earlier Friday the White House said Trump remains 'fatigued' and had been injected with an experimental antibody drug combination for the virus that has killed more than 208,000 Americans and spread to the highest reaches of the U.S. government.
His Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, and his wife, Jill, said they tested negative after encountering Trump at Tuesday's debate.