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WASHINGTON: News of US President Donald Trump’s infection with COVID-19 sparked instant reactions of shock, sympathy, undisguised joy, as well as outrage and curiosity around the world.
Trump’s announcement, on Twitter, on Friday (October 2) that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus, and the profound uncertainty that accompanied it, permeated the global news cycle, overturning countless plans and provoking comments everywhere from presidential offices to the thousands seeking input on social media.
The positive test reading for the leader of the world’s largest economy adds further uncertainty to investor concerns, including how the infection could affect the Nov.3 election between Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. Futures for US stocks and Asian stocks fell on the news. Futures contracts for both the S&P 500 and the Dow Industrials lost 1.9 percent. Oil prices also fell. Stock prices in Japan and Australia fell.
“To say that this could be a big problem is an understatement,” Rabobank said in a comment. “Anyway, now everything takes a back seat to the latest incredible twist in this US election campaign.”
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World leaders and officials were quick to weigh in, and there was sympathy and something that approached frustration.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), a body that Trump has savagely attacked for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, sent his best wishes to Trump and his wife Melania on Friday after they tested positive for coronavirus.
“Best wishes to President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS for a full and speedy recovery,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeusus said in a tweet.
The United States, a former top donor to the Geneva-based body, has said it plans to withdraw and cut funding, saying the WHO is too close to China.
“I wish my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a speedy recovery and good health,” tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ties between the United States and India have thrived under Trump, and India is seen as a partner in balancing China’s growing weight in Asia.
“Our best wishes go to the president and the first lady, but it shows that no one is immune to COVID-19 and contracting it. So it shows that no matter the precautions, we are all susceptible to this, ”Australian Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, deputy leader of the conservative Nationals party, said on Australian Broadcasting Corp TV.
“A difficult time, and it just goes to show that a global pandemic can affect anyone, even the president of the United States.”
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, speaking at a weekly press conference, did not mention Trump’s reluctance to wear masks when asked about his infection, but said the news “reminded me of how many masks are used in Japan. “.
A man walks near a screen reporting on US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during a news program. (Photo: AP)
Major media outlets around the world also highlighted the announcement, with bulletins on television screens in Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei and Beijing.
China’s official Xinhua news agency broke the news and an anchor from the state broadcaster CCTV announced it; There was no immediate comment from the government on Friday, the second day of an eight-day national holiday.
The positive test result for Trump and his wife was the most searched topic in China, after the holiday news, on the widely used social media app Weibo, a few hours after the announcement, with the most mocking or critical comments.
The Chinese government has been angered by Trump’s attempts to blame China, where the disease emerged, for the pandemic and called for global cooperation to combat it, a message that has resonated with the public.
Hu Xijin, the outspoken editor of the state-run Global Times newspaper, tweeted in English that “President Trump and the first lady have paid the price of their bid to play down COVID-19.”
READ: Trump’s top aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19
Iranian state television announced that Trump had the virus, a host who broke the news with an unflattering image of the US president surrounded by what appeared to be giant coronaviruses. Ties between the United States and Iran have suffered since Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the Tehran nuclear deal with world powers and re-imposed crushing sanctions.
Social media platforms in Asia ignited with quick reaction. While the uncertainty seemed palpable on a scroll across the social media of various nations, many of the comments seemed to revel in the announcement.
Keio University economics professor Masaru Kaneko tweeted that populist leaders such as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro “got infected because they tended not to take the coronavirus seriously.”
“The other two leaders took (the virus) seriously after they became infected themselves. Will the United States follow their examples?”
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