President Trump's New Jersey Fundraiser May Be COVID Superspreader, Attendees ‘Freaking Out’

Republican donors who attended President Donald Trump’s fundraiser at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club worried Friday the event may have put them at risk for coronavirus infection following Trump's revelation he had tested positive.

CNBC reported attendees were panicking and reached out to the Trump campaign for guidance.

“The donors have been texting and calling. Freaking out,” a person with direct knowledge told CNBC.

Shortly after the president tested positive, an email was sent out to donors, reminding them no one was within 6 feet of the president. The email also suggested people in attendance should contact their doctors if they start experiencing symptoms.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we want to call this to your attention. Please be reminded that due to Trump Victory-protocol, no attendees were allowed within 6 feet of President Trump at the event,” the email said. “Please contact your medical provider if you or any of your loved ones is ill or develops a fever, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms.”

As many as 50 donors came in close proximity to the president Thursday night. GOP officials have been telling those select contributors to stay at home and to reach out to their doctors for advice.

Dr. Rich Roberts, a longtime Republican donor, told The Lakewood Scoop that Trump also privately met with about 19 people at the Bedminster event.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy urged everyone who attended the rally to get tested in a tweet: “We urge everyone who attended yesterday's event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested for #COVID19.”

Contributors questioned the president’s decision to attend the event after presidential adviser Hope Hicks tested positive. Hicks fell ill Thursday morning after attending Trump’s rally in Minnesota. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told reporters Friday that Hicks’ diagnosis became known just before the president left for Bedminster.