Donald and Melania Trump Are Now Two of the Nearly 7.5 Million Cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.

Donald and Melania Trump are now two of the nearly 7.5 million cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., with well over 200,000 deaths. COVID-19 impacts all of us. If it was not abundantly clear to everyone prior to this news, no matter their political affiliation or views, it should be now.

We know that the Trumps will have excellent medical care and access to testing, unlike many in this country. That must change. Far too many communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID, particularly Black and brown people, Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ people and the uninsured or underinsured, amongst others.

No matter which public figures may test positive, we must continue to advocate for more testing, contact tracing, access to quality treatment for all. We must adhere to the safety guidelines recommended by public health experts, including wearing masks and social distancing, to protect ourselves and each other. We must continue to advocate for financial support and services for those impacted by COVID-19.

This moment needs to be not only a learning experience and wake-up call but a time to take action. We demand more federal action to keep us all safer and healthy. Our democracy itself is at stake in the midst of this pandemic with the election that will decide the future of this country already underway.

Attribute to Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force