Washington, 02 Oct. 2020
Just 32 days before the USA presidential election, Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19.
US President Donald Trump, 74 years old and obese announced early Friday that he and his wife both tested positive for the coronavirus, the diagnosis amounts to the most serious known health threat to a sitting American president in decades.
Media reports describe 'Trump falls into the highest risk category for serious complications from the disease', which has killed more than 205,666 Americans and around 7,160,476 positive cases reported till today, WHO reports.
In some states, in fact, early voting has already begun.
While President Donald Trump could be one of the millions who have recovered from Covid-19 with mild or no symptoms, he could also require more serious treatment.
In the event of President unable to perform his role, 25th amendment ratified in late 1960s of the US Constitution places the "powers and duties" of the office into the vice-president's hands.
In addition to the President, there is Vice-President Mike Pence, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi - the Democratic leader - and Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, who as President Pro Tempore heads the Senate in the absence of the vice-president.
In situation arises, Mr Trump needs to undergo major hospital treatment for Covid-19. he must send a letter to Mrs Pelosi and Mr Grassley to inform both chambers of Congress that he's unable to serve. At this point, the vice-president becomes the acting president.
Again, Mr Trump will need to write the lawmakers when he returns to say he is no longer incapacitated. If Mr Pence and the cabinet disagree, then it's up to Congress to vote on whether Mr Trump is fit to retake control.
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