New Zealand PM sends 'get well soon' message to Trump

The Prime Minister has sent a get-well message to US President Donald Trump on behalf of New Zealand.

The White House Photo: Andrea Izzotti/123RF

Speaking to media in Auckland today, Jacinda Ardern said officials at the American embassy have been asked to pass on a message.

“Of course, wishing the president of the United States and the first lady New Zealand’s best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

Trump and his wife Melania both tested positive for the virus yesterday, and the White House says Trump was shifted to a military hospital this morning as a precaution.

This follows a top aide, Hope Hicks, a counselor for President Trump testing positive for the virus.

The president has posted a message saying “we will get through this together”, and video saying he is doing very well.

Ardern personally texted the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, when he fell ill with Covid. She says in that instance she had a mobile number to text, which is not the case with the US president.

Greens party co-leader James Shaw says the development will upset the already-volatile American election campaign.

“I wouldn’t wish Covid-19 on anybody, we don’t want anybody to die of Covid-19, and it just shows the importance of good science and good government to show that we can keep our whole population safe.”

Shaw cast an advance vote in Wellington this morning, marking the first day of early voting for the New Zealand election.