Pres. Trump COVID-19 update raises doubt about time of diagnosis, condition

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Immediately following the Saturday morning update on Pres. Donald Trump's condition after being hospitalized for COVID-19, the timeline and details of Trump's diagnosis are being called into question.

During the conference, physician Dr. Sean Conley indicated that Trump was "72 hours into the diagnosis," which would put the positive test earlier than early Friday morning, when the news was announced, according to the New York Times.

Presidential physician Dr. Conley: "Just 72 hours into the diagnosis" for the president, the medical team is "extremely happy with the progress the president has made." pic.twitter.com/f7kubmlwjS

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 3, 2020

The announcement, according to the NYT, was made around 1 a.m. ET on Friday, which would only be 36 hours ago. Being 72 hours into the diagnosis would mean the President had COVID-19 as early as Wednesday.

Doubt was also sparked by seeming vagueness of new information. While Dr. Conley and others on the medical team indicated they were pleased with Trump's condition, some specifics were not given.

During the conference, Dr. Conley would not detail certain aspects, including the height of Trump's fever, questions about steroids -- in addition to seeming hesitance to discuss oxygen with reporters.

Trump’s doctor:
Said 72 hours into diagnosis (Trump told the public 35 hours ago)
Won’t say when his last negative test was
Was evasive on questions about oxygen
Won’t detail what heart and lung scans revealed
Won’t answer about steroids
Won’t reveal how high fever was

— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) October 3, 2020

The White House needs to clarify the timeline ASAP. If, based on the timeline provided by Dr. Conley, the president was symptomatic on Thursday and had tested positive for COVID-19 72 hours ago and yet carried on with his normal schedule, that would be shocking.

— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) October 3, 2020

Several minutes after the questions erupted over social media, Wall Street Journal White House Reporter Rebecca Ballhaus said a WH official clarified, saying Dr. Conley meant to say the diagnosis was in Day 3, not 72 hours in. Meanwhile, a source reportedly told the White House pool that the president's vitals over the last 24 hours were "very concerning and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care. We're still not on a clear path to a full recovery."

This anonymous quote was sent to the White House pool reporters. It arrived in my inbox and the inboxes of other reporters who cover this White House. I do not know where this quote came from, and why this anonymous person has the authority to contradict the president’s doctors.

— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) October 3, 2020

Concern has also arisen around the safety of Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden, who debated only feet away from Trump on Tuesday. According to the Biden campaign, they were not contacted regarding possible exposure.

The Biden campaign has made clear that it was never contacted about Trump's positive COVID result. If Trump tested positive the morning after the presidential debate, it is remarkably irresponsible to have not contacted the Biden campaign. What is their excuse?

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 3, 2020

New York Magazine WH Reporter Olivia Nuzzi tweeted about the confusion and concerns shortly after, saying: "The press and the public are struggling with this fundamental problem: we do not know who we can trust to receive reliable information about the health of the President of the United States."

The White House has not yet given official specific clarification.

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