Montgomery Co. Executive Rebukes Trump Over Spin Around Walter Reed

From Maryland Matters:

By Bruce DePuyt
October 5, 2020

Hours after President Trump’s widely-criticized motorcade trip around Walter Reed Medical Center Sunday, Montgomery County Executive Marc B. Elrich (D) urged the nation’s most famous COVID-19 patient to remain in the hospital, in the interests of public health, until he’s well enough to return to the White House.

“Dear Mr. President,” Elrich tweeted. “We take COVID-19 seriously in @MontgomeryCoMd. We ask our residents to act responsibly with family & friends and we expect the same for our guests.”

“Please think about those caring for you and stay in the hospital until can you return to the White House,” Elrich added in his 11 p.m. Sunday post.

Trump’s motorcade trip up Wisconsin Avenue gave him the opportunity to wave at supporters who had gathered outside the hospital at the urging of the Maryland Republican Party.

The president, who has long downplayed the risks associated with the coronavirus and mocked those who wear masks, was widely criticized for placing the health of his Secret Service detail in jeopardy. Anyone being treated for COVID-19 is at high risk for spreading the sometimes-fatal disease to others, health experts have said.

Elrich’s tweet had been “liked” more that 1,500 times and shared 500 times as of 8:10 a.m.

bruce@marylandmatters.org

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