White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany insists the White House will not address any alternative plans of leadership in the event President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence falls ill with coronavirus.
During a press briefing with reporters, McEnany was asked if there is a procedure in place if Trump and/or Pence become unable to lead. She confirmed the possibility is not something they are addressing.
“That’s not even something that we’re addressing,” McEnany told reporters on Thursday. “We’re keeping the president healthy. We’re keeping the vice president healthy, and, you know, they’re healthy at this moment and they’ll continue to be.”
Not deterred, another reporter raised questions about having some type of plan in the event of an unexpected occurrence.
McEnany disregarded the question and insisted that reporters and the American people should be “celebrating” the president and vice president’s health.
McEnancy said, “The president’s healthy. The vice president’s healthy, and I think that’s something all reporters should be celebrating and the American people as well.”
See McEnany’s remarks below:
Press Sec. Kayleigh McEnany: "The President's healthy. The Vice President's healthy and I think that's something all reporters should be celebrating and the American people as well." https://t.co/bw5bpS1gGM pic.twitter.com/lu3lPdYMSC
— The Hill (@thehill) May 14, 2020
The reporters’ questions come amid Trump and Pence’s decision to distance themselves from each other following White House staffers’ positive test results.
Over the last month, White House officials have been criticized for failing to wear masks and practice social distancing which has raised ongoing concerns about the president and vice president.
Both Trump and Pence have also made public appearances and attended events while refusing to wear masks. However, the White House has confirmed that on multiple occasions, both Trump and Pence have tested negative for coronavirus.
As of Monday, the White House is also requiring staffers to wear face coverings, as previously reported on IJR.
“The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] continues to encourage the use of facial coverings when social distancing is not an option. As an additional layer of protection, we are requiring everyone who enters the West Wing to wear a mask or facial covering.”
“Staff who sit in the West Wing are not required to wear a facial covering while at their desk if they are appropriately socially distanced from their colleagues,” a White House memo said.
As of Thursday afternoon, both Trump and Pence are reportedly still in good health.