Trump makes first public appearance since hospital release

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump made his first public appearance Saturday at the White House since his release from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center because of a coronavirus infection.

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He railed on topics similar to his campaign rallies -- attacking former Vice President Joe Biden and promoting his law-and-order messaging during the 18-minute appearance. White House officials insisted the appearance was an official event and not a campaign rally.

Trump walked out wearing a mask. He took it off to make his remarks.

“I’m feeling great,” he said standing at the Blue Room balcony in front of throngs of supporters on the South Lawn.

Officials have not released updated information on the president’s health, including whether he was tested for the coronavirus prior to the event. His voice was a little hoarse but he appeared healthy otherwise.

Much of the audience was part of the “BLEXIT” movement formed by conservative stalwart Candace Owens to encourage Black voters to support Trump and the Republican party, CNN reported.

“Black and Latino Americans are rejecting the radical socialist left and they’re embracing our pro-jobs, pro-worker, pro-police. We want law and order, we have to have law and order, and pro-American agenda,” Trump said. “Democrats have run nearly every inner city in America, and I mean for a hundred years, and their policies have delivered nothing but calamity, poverty, and trouble. Sleepy Joe Biden’s betrayed black and Latino Americans. If you think he can run this country, you’re wrong.”

Trump was released last Sunday from Walter Reed after spending the weekend hospitalized because of the coronavirus. He announced that he and first lady Melania Trump were infected Oct. 1. Since then dozens in Republican circles have been infected.

Even with questions about his health and ability to infect others lingering, Trump plans campaign events in key states Florida, Pennsylvania, and Iowa starting Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group