White House insists Trump is 'hard at work' and next debate is still on

‘We’re having to hold him back a bit,’ press secretary says even though president has scrapped events and not tweeted since 12:54 a.m.

Donald Trump’s top spokeswoman insists the president will continue seeking a second term despite his positive coronavirus diagnosis, saying his next scheduled debate with former Vice President Joe Biden is still on.

“He’s on the ballot,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News. “He’s absolutely hard at work. … We’re having to hold him back a bit.”

That comment came amid a 12-hour-plus lull in presidential tweets. Mr Trump also did not appear on a noon-hour call with “vulnerable seniors” to talk about the virus he now has; Vice President Mike Pence took his place.

Ms McEnany was asked about a New York Times article that raised the possibly that some might question, now that the 74-year-old president has coronavirus, about him removing himself from the presidential ballot. She slammed that report as inaccurate, saying it appears merely “the hope and the wish” of the newspapers’ journalists that the president drop out.

“What a ridiculous assertion by the New York Times,” she told Fox.

Asked about the planned 15 October debate with Mr Biden, Ms McEnany did not mention a possible cancellation. That date, however, falls within the president’s 14-day quarantine period.

“Haven’t gotten that far just yet,” she said. “We’re focused on the president.”

He is convalescing in the White House residence, aides say, with his top spokeswoman saying he is “feeling good” despite “mild symptoms.”

White House aides contend Mr Trump is working.

Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the president gave him “five or six tastings” around 8 a.m. and wants answers on them by close of business.

Ms McEnany said the president had telephoned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to talk about Covid relief legislation and other matters.