- Former President Trump's first positive COVID test changes the known
timeline of his 2020 diagnosis. - Mark Meadows, his former chief of staff, reveals in his book that Trump tested positive on Sept. 26.
Former President
Following revelations from former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' forthcoming book, the timeline of Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis and the scope of people he could have infected has changed.
In all of these instances, the former president was not photographed wearing a mask.
- Sept. 26, 2020: Trump tests positive for COVID-19 and keeps it a secret, according to Meadows. He also attends the Rose Garden ceremony for newly nominated Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, which later became the subject of speculation as a super spreader event after more than a dozen
White House staffers and GOP officials tested positive following the gathering. - Sept. 27: Trump holds a press briefing and attends an event for Gold Star families, whom he would later blame for infecting him with the virus.
- Sept. 28: The Lordstown Motors CEO visits the White House to show Trump a new truck. Trump holds a press briefing with former Vice President Mike Pence to announce the distribution of COVID testing kits.
- Sept. 29: President Joe Biden and Trump square off in their first presidential debate.
- Sept. 30: Trump holds a rally and private fundraiser in Duluth, Minn.
- Oct. 1: Longtime confidante and former White House aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19, followed by the announcement from Trump.
- Oct. 2: Shortly after 1 a.m., Trump announces that he and former First Lady Melania Trump tested positive. He was rushed to Walter Reed Hospital later that night.