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Donald Trump’s doctor clears him to return to public duties after COVID-19 treatment

AP
President Donald Trump released two videos from the South Lawn of the White House Thursday after his return from Walter Reed.
Camera IconPresident Donald Trump released two videos from the South Lawn of the White House Thursday after his return from Walter Reed. Credit: Unknown/Twitter

Donald Trump’s doctor says he fully anticipates the US President can make a “safe return to public engagements” on Saturday.

The assessment from Dr Sean Conley comes in a letter Thursday updating on the President’s condition as he recovers from COVID-19. Conley says Mr Trump has completed his course of therapy as prescribed by his team of physicians.

Mr Trump is eager to return to the campaign trail with the election less than four weeks away.

Dr Conley’s letter also says the President’s vital signs on Thursday included a heart rate of 69 beats per minute and a blood pressure reading of 127/81.

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Dr. Sean Conley, physician to President Donald Trump, talks with reporters.
Camera IconDr. Sean Conley, physician to President Donald Trump, talks with reporters. Credit: Evan Vucci/AP

Dr Conley says that, “overall, he’s responded extremely well to treatment, without evidence on examination of adverse therapeutic effects.”

Meanwhile, second scheduled debate between Mr Trump and Democrat Joe Biden appears to be canceled.

Mr Trump balked at the October 15 debate after the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Thursday that it would be held virtually because he has the coronavirus.

“No, I’m not going to waste my time on a virtual debate,” he told Fox News.

“That’s not what debating is all about, you sit behind a computer and do a debate, it’s ridiculous. They are trying to protect Biden, everyone is.”

After Mr Trump pulled out, Mr Biden scheduled his own ABC town hall in Philadelphia for the same date.

The US President has also found himself caught up in the aftermath of an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the subject of an alleged kidndap plot.
Camera IconMichigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the subject of an alleged kidndap plot. Credit: AP

Ms Whitmer, a Democrat, said the Republican president has spent the last seven months of the coronavirus pandemic “denying science, ignoring his own health experts, stoking distrust, fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.”

She singled out Mr Trump’s debate comments, when he didn’t condemn white supremacist groups and told one far-right extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”

“Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry,” Ms Whitmer said.

“When our leaders speak, their words matter. They carry weight. When our leaders meet, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and they are complicit. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit.”

Joseph Morrison is accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Camera IconJoseph Morrison is accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Credit: AP
Pete Musico is accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Camera IconPete Musico is accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Credit: AP

There’s no indication in the criminal complaint that the men arrested were inspired by Mr Trump. Authorities also have not publicly said whether the men were angry about Ms Whitmer’s coronavirus orders, which sharply curtailed businesses and individuals in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

The arrests and Ms Whitmer’s comments come less than a month before the presidential election in a key battleground state, where recent polls show Mr Biden has a lead.

Six men were charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap the governor in reaction to what they viewed as her “uncontrolled power,” according to a federal complaint.

Separately, seven others were charged in state court under Michigan’s anti-terrorism laws for allegedly targeting police and seeking a “civil war.”

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