Emerging from Trump’s shadow: How president’s Covid-19 diagnosis shines spotlight on Mike Pence

Pence will take over if Trump is incapacitated. But as head of the US coronavirus taskforce, his record does not serve him well, writes Kim Sengupta

Trump and Pence arrive to speak about Covid-19 testing in the Rose Garden (AFP/Getty )

The announcement that Donald Trump has tested positive for coronavirus brings into scrutiny a man who has been mainly in the shadows in this extraordinary and turbulent administration – Vice President Mike Pence.

There is a need for voters to examine someone who may find himself with the levers of power. Pence, who tested negative in the wake of Trump’s diagnosis, can take over under the 25th amendment if the president becomes incapacitated. And, if Trump recovers and wins the election, one needs to bear in mind the uncertain long-term effects of Covid-19 on an overweight 74-year-old man with health issues.

While Democrat opponents have joined international leaders in sending messages of sympathy to Trump and Melania, who has also tested positive, there are renewed attacks on the country’s response to the pandemic, which has often been shambolic.