Trump, White House on Military Hospital Transfer: "No Plan to Transfer Presidential Authority"

Spokesperson "Performing Presidential Duties"... Trump Works After Transfer to Military Hospital
Democrats Demand Postponement of Barrett Judicial Nominee Confirmation Hearing Schedule

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The White House announced on the 2nd (local time) that President Donald Trump, who has been infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has no plans to transfer his authority to the Vice President.

According to The New York Times (NYT), White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere drew a line on whether the authority would be transferred, saying "there will be no transfer," and emphasized, "The President is performing his duties."

According to the U.S. Presidential Succession Act amended in 1947, Vice President Mike Pence assumes the office in the event of President Trump's incapacity. If the Vice President is also unable to perform duties, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes over. Speaker Pelosi is awaiting the results of her COVID-19 test on the same day. However, since Vice President Pence tested negative for COVID-19 on the day, confusion surrounding the acting presidency is expected to be minimal.

Interest in whether President Trump would transfer his authority arose as he moved to a military hospital. Following advice from his physician and others, President Trump moved to Walter Reed Military Hospital in Maryland on the day. The White House stated that the President would stay there for several days while continuing his work.

President Trump is reported to be showing mild symptoms. His physician stated, "He is experiencing fatigue but is in good condition," and added, "He has taken antibody drugs, zinc, vitamin D, melatonin, and aspirin."

With President Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis, political turmoil has become inevitable ahead of the U.S. presidential election. According to the NYT, the Democratic Senate requested a delay in the confirmation hearing schedule for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, whom President Trump nominated. The Republicans expressed their determination to complete the vote within this month, following President Trump's nomination of Barrett on the 26th of last month, showing a sense of urgency.

The Democrats, who hold the position that the nominee should be appointed after the election, criticized that since President Trump's nomination itself is illegal, the outcome could be at risk.

Nominee Barrett, who met President Trump a week ago, also underwent a COVID-19 test and received a negative result.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.