Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump's doctor refuses to provide details of coronavirus-infected president's lung scans

‘Don’t be afraid of Covid,' president tells Americans in tweet announcing his self-discharge from Walter Reed

John T. Bennett
Washington Bureau Chief
Monday 05 October 2020 15:54 EDT
Comments
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows responds to Trump's hospital drive by

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump’s military physician declined to provide any details on aspects of the coronavirus-infect president’s health, including results of chest scans and when he had his last negative test.

'I'm not at liberty to discuss': Dr Sean Conley told reporters, sidestepping questions on whether the president is still contagious. He said privacy laws that protect every patient’s privacy prevent him from disclosing information.

Dr Conley also refused to say when the president’s last positive Covid-19 test occurred and struggled to tell reporters how they could ensure his safety and those of White House employees and aides once he is back there. 

The physician and other members of his medical team also were unable or unwilling to clearly answer questions about other of his vital signs and test results.

On Sunday, Dr Conley was more open about the president’s lung tests, saying he expected some findings from them. A day later, he cited privacy laws.

The team briefed reporters at Walter Reed hospital minutes after the president appeared to discharge himself.

In a tweet, Trump announced he will leave the hospital where he has been treated for coronavirus on Monday evening and return to the White House, telling Americans “don’t be afraid of Covid.”

“Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” the president tweeted.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in