TOKYO - News that U.S. President Donald Trump was infected with the world's most notorious disease drew instant reactions of shock, sympathy, undisguised glee and, of course, the ever-present outrage and curiosity.
Trump's revelation that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus flashed across screens everywhere, upending plans and sparking a response from presidential offices to the thousands looking to weigh in on social media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered wishes that Trump's “inherent vitality” would help him pull through.
A Japanese official simply said she was reminded of the importance of masks in her country.
Among other leaders who have been infected is British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent several days in intensive care.
My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 2, 2020
Here are positive remarks from other world leaders:
Mark Rutte Prime Minister of the Netherlands
On behalf of the Dutch cabinet, I wish President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a speedy and full recovery from COVID-19.
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) October 2, 2020
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health. https://t.co/f3AOOHLpaQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2020
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Like millions of Israelis, Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery. https://t.co/UcxQpsxBLE
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) October 2, 2020
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte
My best wishes to @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania for a speedy recovery. Hope both of you will get better soon!
— Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) October 2, 2020
Afghanistan’s Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation
I wish President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS, and First Lady Melania Trump @FLOTUS speedy recovery from COVID19 and good health.
— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 2, 2020
I also wish the people of the #USA to overcome this pandemic victoriously.@USEmbassyKabul https://t.co/6SKA9oNIpP
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
I wish a speedy recovery to U.S. President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump, who tested positive for COVID-19.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 2, 2020
I sincerely hope that they will overcome the quarantine period without problems and regain their health as soon as possible.
This article will be updated as many leaders are expected to react to the American president's contraction of the virus.
