Butler County officials react to positive coronavirus test of President Trump, First Lady

Political leaders on both sides of the aisle have offered their well-wishes to the couple as they entered a 14-day quarantine on Friday in the residence at the White House.

Gov. Mike DeWine said the diagnoses are reminders the virus doesn’t discriminate and that anyone can contract it. He also said it’s a reminder that people need to protect themselves, wear masks and practice social distancing.

“We think about them, we think about everyone who is battling COVID in our country and across the world,” DeWine said.

Butler County GOP Executive Chair Todd Hall said millions are praying “for continued strong health for our President and First Lady.”

"The best of our human nature should dictate that we put politics aside and desire safety and security for our national leaders, regardless of political affiliation,” Hall said.

Butler County Democratic Party Chair Brian Hester said while thoughts and prayers, including of his and his party, are with the Trumps, “this shows that the most protected person in the world isn’t safe from this pandemic if you flaunt public health measures.”

“We can only reopen our schools and economy safely when we address the spread of this virus,” he said. “Do your part: wear a mask.”

Sen. Bill Coley, R-Liberty Twp., said Trump’s job requires him to be among the people, even during a pandemic, and "even if everyone that you come in contact with tests negative, you are still at risk. We wish the First Family a speedy recovery so that they can continue to lead our great nation into a brighter tomorrow.”

Ohio Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, said she prays daily for the Trumps and pointed to survival rates for people the ages of the couple.

“COVID survival rates for a man in his 70s is 94.6 percent. The survival rate for a woman in her 50s is 99.5 percent,” she said. “So I’m confident they will recover.”

There are no approved vaccines for full use, and there are 11 vaccines in Phase 3 of testing. There are a handful of vaccines out of China approved for limited or early use. China, as well as Russia, have approved vaccines before Phase 3 trial results are known, according to the New York Times. There are more than 40 other vaccines being tested in either Phase 1 or 2 trials.

Reps. George Lang, R-West Chester Twp., and Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, both offered their prayers to the First Family. Lang said he and his wife, Debbie, tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer.

“We sincerely wish the Trumps much success in their fight against this virus,” Lang said.

Carruthers said while she’s "saddened that they are both laid up with this terrible virus, she believes it “won’t slow them down much at all knowing the two of them.”

Staff writer Kristen Spicker contributed to this story.