PRESIDENT TRUMP HOSPITALIZED FOR COVID-19
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Donald J. Trump has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and was admitted yesterday afternoon to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland with symptoms. The First Lady also tested positive for the virus but did not require hospitalization.
The President spoke before leaving the White House. He said...
"I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I'm going to Walter Reed Hospital. I think I'm doing very well. We're going to make sure that things work out."
Since there has been a shortage of details from the White House on the President's medical condition, there has been some discussion in the media about the order of presidential succession.
According to the Constitution of the United States, the Vice-President succeeds the President if he or she dies or becomes incapacitated.
In 1947, President Harry S Truman signed into law the Presidential Succession Act. It set up the order of presidential succession following the Vice-President. (Note: Mike Pence has tested negative for the Covid-19 virus)
If something were to happen to both the President & Vice-President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives would become POTUS. Next in line is the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate.
Following is the order of presidential succession...
1. Vice-President (Mike Pence)
2. Speaker of House (Nancy Pelosi)
3. President Pro-Tempore (Chuck Grassley)
4. Secretary of State (Mike Pompeo)
5. Secretary of Treasury (Steve Mnuchin)
6. Secretary of Defense (Mark Esper)
7. Attorney General (William Barr)
The line of succession continues with the remainder of the President's cabinet.
SOURCES
"Presidential line of succession: Who would take charge if President Donald Trump becomes incapacitated by COVID-19," by Jackson Cote, October 2, 2020, www.masslive.com/
"Trump taken to Walter Reed Medical Center and will be hospitalized 'for the next few days," by Kevin Liptak, October 2, 2020,www.cnn.com/
Donald J. Trump
45th POTUS
Photo by Shealah Craighead (2017)
