Trump cancels events, goes without tweeting for 12 hours following coronavirus diagnosis

‘Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for COVID-19, plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events,’ campaign manager says

Donald Trump has gone dark.

The president, who tested positive for coronavirus early Friday morning, has not (as of 1:30 p.m.) tweeted since announcing his contraction of the disease at 12:54 a.m.

That 12-hour lull is one of his longest in recent months, but has yet to approach his 45-hour record. That came as former FBI Director James Comey was testifying on Capitol Hill and making a slew of accusations about the president.

What’s more, Mr Trump was slated to lead a call around noon with “vulnerable seniors” about Covid-19. But Vice President Mike Pence filled in, and the president reportedly never joined the call.  

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows earlier Friday morning described Mr Trump as still full of energy and having given him “five or six taskings” that are due back to the president later Friday.

“He continues to be not only in good spirits but energetic,” Mr Meadows said. "He is certainly wanting to make sure that we stay engaged."

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News around 1:45 p.m. that the president is “absolutely working hard” and aides are “having to hold him back a bit.”

But his campaign around that time scrapped all his planned travel and campaign rallies. He was due in Florida on Friday night, Wisconsin on Saturday and Arizona for two days next week.

“All previously announced campaign events involving the president’s participation are in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed.  In addition, previously announced events involving members of the First Family are also being temporarily postponed. All other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we will make any relevant announcements in the days ahead,” Bill Stephen, Trump-Pence campaign manager said in a statement. 

“Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for COVID-19, plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events,” he added. “Any further information about the President will come from the White House.”