(PresidentialWire.com)- In the wake of President Donald Trump’s “parade” ride in the back of a Chevy Suburban outside the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday, Secret Service members joined the liberal media in denouncing the president’s decision.
The president rode in the back of the black Suburban with a mask on to wave to his supporters outside the medical center. In the front seat were two Secret Service agents who had on respirator masks, eye protection and medical gowns.
Despite the use of protective gear, many people, including medical professionals, have criticized the president’s decision to leave the hospital at all. That’s because he’s positive for coronavirus and is still considered highly contagious.
In the less than 24 hours since the parade on Sunday, many inside the Secret Service have expressed their displeasure in the president’s decision. Some agents of the Secret Service have tested positive for coronavirus in the past, as they’ve had to travel with Trump while he goes on political rallies across the country.
An agent, who asked to remain anonymous, told CNN:
“That should have never happened.”
This agent works on detail for the president and first family. He said the agents who were riding with Trump in the car Sunday would be required to quarantine.
He continued:
“I mean, I wouldn’t want to be around them. The frustration with how we’re treated when it comes to decisions on this illness goes back before this, though. We’re not disposable.”
Some Secret Service agents have said that the problem for them is that, even if they are concerned about their exposure to the virus, they can’t say no to the president’s requests.
Not all agents are taking this stance, though. One said that the detail took measures to ensure everyone in the car with the president was protected. The agent said:
“I’ve watched some of the news today, and it’s ridiculous to say the president is trying to kill off his detail. He’s unconventional, but we get the job done.”
The White House defended the president briefly leaving the Medical Center Sunday to wave to supporters. Judd Deere, a White House spokesman, said in a statement:
“Appropriate precautions were taken in the execution of this movement to protect the President and all those supporting it, including PPE (personal protective equipment). The movement was cleared by the medical team as safe to do.”
Still, other medical personnel at the hospital chided the decision. That includes Dr. James P. Phillips, one of the attending physicians at the medical center, who tweeted:
“This is insanity. Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential “drive-by” just now has to be quarantined for 14 days. They might get sick. They may die. For political theater. Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines even say that:
“In general, transport and movement of a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes.”
It’s possible Trump will be discharged from the hospital on Monday.
