Several Minnesota Republicans Self-Isolate Following President Trump's Visit To State
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19 following a trip to Minnesota, prompting several Republicans who had contact with the president to go into quarantine.
Three Minnesota GOP Congressmen -- Tom Emmer, Jim Hagedorn and Pete Stauber -- were aboard Air Force One with Trump Wednesday. Emmer tweeted a picture of the three of them.
Hagedorn, who has stage four kidney cancer, released a statement saying he was tested Friday morning but that he wasn't in close contact with the president.
"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,'" Hagedorn said.
By mid-afternoon Friday, Hagedorn's campaign reported his test had come back negative. Hagedorn added that he wishes the Trumps a full and speedy recovery, as well as "all dealing with illness."
Former congressman Jason Lewis, who is running against Sen. Tina Smith, was also on board. Following news of the positive test, Lewis wished the Trumps a speedy recovery and said he will be isolating himself.
"The Congressman is feeling fine and displaying no symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution he has already begun the self quarantine process," Lewis' campaign said.
Lewis told WCCO's Esme Murphy that, while he is not worried, he will get tested early next week.
"That is the protocol ... you're good four or five days out, and then I will get a negative test and be out on the campaign trail," Lewis said. "I will have a negative test."
Meanwhile, Emmer says he has not been experiencing symptoms.
"Jacquie and I are praying for the health and well-being of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. I am not exhibiting symptoms and have been tested for COVID by the Office of the Attending Physician and should receive my results within 24 hours," Emmer said.
After getting tested, Emmer got his results back and announced Friday it was negative.
Minnesota House Minority Leader Rep. Kurt Daudt also met with Trump during his visit to Minnesota Wednesday, and will also self-isolate.
"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," Daudt said.
Daudt says he tested negative for COVID-19 on Tuesday ahead of the president's visit Wednesday. He said the outdoor meeting on the tarmac "lasted fewer than five minutes, and no handshakes took place."
Stauber said he also tested negative before entering Air Force One Wednesday. He was tested again after his encounter with the President and has tested negative.
"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," he said.
Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan, who is married to Hagedorn, said she was not at any events involving Trump due to a busy campaign schedule.
"We wish our President, First Lady, Hope Hicks and any others impacted a speedy recovery to good health," she said.
WCCO has also reached out to Cambria CEO Marty Davis, and has not heard back. It was at Davis's residence where a private fundraiser was held before Trump headed to Duluth. WCCO did obtain a letter sent to attendees of the fundraise, urging them to contact their medical providers if they became ill. The letter also contained the statement, "No attendees were allowed within 6 feet of President Trump at the event."
