Boris Johnson: Donald Trump says Americans are 'praying' for PM's recovery
President says Americans are “praying” for Johnson’s recovery after prime minister goes into intensive care
Trump suggests US companies have contacted Johnson’s doctors with a view to helping with his treatment
Numerous world leaders wish Johnson well after coronavirus symptoms worsen
Donald Trump was among the world leaders to wish Boris Johnson well on Monday night after the UK prime minister was moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened.
The US president said he was “saddened” to hear of Johnson’s condition and that “Americans are praying for his recovery”.
Trump said at a White House news conference: “I also want to send best wishes to a very good friend of mine, and a friend to our nation, prime minister Boris Johnson, who I’m very saddened to hear was taken into intensive care this afternoon, a little while ago.
“Americans are all praying for his recovery, he’s been a really good friend.
Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice
Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world
Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area
6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading
“He’s been something very special: strong, resolute, doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up.”
Trump then appeared to suggest US companies have “contacted Boris’s doctors” and are “ready” to help with his treatment.
He said: “We have made tremendous progress on therapeutics. I had a fantastic call today. I’ve asked two of the leading companies, these are brilliant companies – ebola, AIDS, others, they have come with the solutions and have done incredible jobs – to contact London immediately.
“They have offices in London. They are major companies. They are genius. I had a talk with four of them today and they speak a language most people don’t understand. But I understand something: they have really advanced therapeutics and therapeutically.
“They have arrived in London already. The London office has whatever they need and we will see if we can be of help. We have contacted all of Boris’s doctors and we’ll see what is going to take place. But they are ready to go.
“But when you get brought into intensive care, it gets very, very serious with this particular disease so the two companies are there. With what they are talking about, it is rather complex [but] has had really incredible results. We are working with London with respect to Boris Johnson.”
Meanwhile, other world figures supporting Johnson included:
Trump’s senior adviser and daughter
My thoughts and prayers are with @BorisJohnson and his family.
Godspeed Mr. Prime Minister!— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) April 6, 2020
The director-general of the World Health Organization
I am thinking of my friend @BorisJohnson tonight, and sending my and @WHO's heartfelt good wishes as he battles the #coronavirus. I know the @NHSuk and its dedicated 🇬🇧 #healthworkers will be looking after you. #COVID19 https://t.co/BwLl1nChVO
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 6, 2020
The president of the EU Commission
My thoughts are with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson and his family this evening. I wish him a speedy and full recovery.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 6, 2020
The French president
Tout mon soutien à Boris Johnson, à sa famille et au peuple britannique dans ce moment difficile. Je lui souhaite de surmonter cette épreuve rapidement.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 6, 2020
This translates to: “All my support for Boris Johnson, his family and the British people at this difficult time. I wish him to overcome this ordeal quickly.”
The Spanish president
Mi solidaridad y deseos de una pronta recuperación para el primer ministro @BorisJohnson. Son días difíciles para nuestros países, pero desde la fortaleza y unidad lograremos vencer esta batalla.
Un abrazo a todo el pueblo británico.#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos #StrongerTogether— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 6, 2020
This translates to: “My solidarity and wishes for a speedy recovery for the Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. These are difficult days for our countries, but from strength and unity we will be able to win this battle. A hug to all the British people.”
The Canadian PM
Sending my best wishes to Prime Minister @BorisJohnson for a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you and your family right now. Hope to see you back at Number 10 soon.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 6, 2020
The Irish premier
@BorisJohnson is in our thoughts tonight. We wish him a speedy recovery and a rapid return to health
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 6, 2020