Donald Trump praises ‘fantastic’ Boris Johnson as world leaders send best wishes to PM in intensive care
Boris Johnson and Donald Trump
4 min read
Donald Trump has wished his “really good friend” Boris Johnson a speedy recovery after the Prime Minister was admitted to intensive care with worsening coronavirus symptoms.
The US President said he was rooting for the “strong, resolute” Mr Johnson as support poured in from leaders around the world.
Downing Street sources told Good Morning Britain there was "no change" in the Prime Minister's condition following his second night at St. Thomas's Hospital in London.
Speaking at the daily White House briefing, President Trump said he wanted to "send his best wishes to a very good friend of mine - and a friend of our nation”.
He added: "I was very sad to hear he was taken into ICU.
"Americans are all praying for his recovery. When you get taken in intensive care it gets very very serious.
"He's been a really good friend, something very special: strong, resolute, doesn't quit, doesn't give up."
The US commander-in-chief said his administration had been in touch with “all of Boris’s doctors” in a bid to “see if we can be of help”.
And he claimed that the Prime Minister would receive a "complex treatment of things that they've just recently developed”.
President Trump added: "They've already had meetings with the doctors and we'll see whether or not they'll go that route.
"They have everything with them should it be needed. Hopefully it won't be needed.
"I've found Boris to be a fantastic person. Warm, intelligent. He loves his country."
Mr Johnson was first diagnosed with Covid-19 12 days ago and had been due to emerge from self-isolation last Friday.
However, he remained behind closed doors after his symptoms - a cough and high temperature - persisted.
On Monday evening, a Number 10 spokesman said: "Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
"Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.
"The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary.
"The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication."
President Trump’s message came as fellow world leaders rallied around the Prime Minister, who is being treated at St Thomas’s Hospital in London.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, whose wide has previously contracted coronavirus, said he was sending “best wishes” to his UK counterpart “for a full and speedy recovery”.
He added: “My thoughts are with you and your family right now. Hope to see you back at Number 10 soon.”
French president Emmanuel Macron said: “I send all my support to Boris Johnson, to his family and to the British people at this difficult moment. I wish him a speedy recovery at this testing time.”
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator who is himself recovering after a coronavirus diagnosis, wished the Prime Minister “all the best and a speedy recovery”.
He added: “My thoughts are with you and your family.”
Ireland’s taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Boris Johnson is in our thoughts tonight. We wish him a speedy recovery and a rapid return to health.”
Italian president Giuseppe Conte said: “My thoughts go to Boris Johnson and all the British people. I wish you a fast recovery. You have the whole Italian government’s support and my personal one.”
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison meanwhile said he was thinking of “all our UK friends at this tough time”.
And Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the People of Israel pray for the speedy and full recovery of our friend British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.”
Mr Johnson also received messages of support from his two immediate predecessors as Conservative prime minister, Theresa May and David Cameron
Ms May said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Boris Johnson and his family as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.”
The Maidenhead MP added: “This horrific virus does not discriminate. Anyone can get it. Anyone can spread it.“
Mr Cameron, who quit in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum in which Mr Johnson played a leading part, meanwhile said he was “thinking of Boris Johnson and his family tonight”.
And he said: “Get well soon. You are in great hands and we all want you safe, well and back in 10 Downing Street.”
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