President Donald Trump is sharing his reaction to Sen. Mitt Romney’s (R-Utah) decision to self-quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump shared his reaction during an exchange at the White House press briefing on Sunday with a reporter who informed him of Romney’s isolation.
To which, Trump said, “Romney’s in isolation?” adding, “Gee, that’s too bad.”
When asked if there was a glint of sarcasm in his remarks, Trump said, “No, none whatsoever.”
See Trump’s exchange with the reporter below:
Trump: "Romney is in isolation? Gee, That’s too bad. Go ahead."
— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) March 22, 2020
Reporter: "Do I detect sarcasm there, sir?"
Trump: "No, none whatsoever."
?? pic.twitter.com/UpDwpUDyFM
Trump’s remarks follow Romney’s announcement to self-quarantine. The Utah senator made the announcement following reports about Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) positive coronavirus result.
On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) shared the news with Republicans during a private caucus lunch.
“Colleagues, as everyone now knows, the coronavirus has arrived in the Senate. There are at least five senators who are in self-quarantine at the moment,” McConnell said on the Senate floor on Sunday.
While Paul has admitted that he is asymptomatic and received testing “out of an abundance of caution.”
Romney made known his decision on Sunday to self-quarantine after being in close contact with Paul for “extended periods of time in recent days.” In observation of the CDC’s recommendation, Romney has opted to self-quarantine.
“He has no symptoms but will be tested. He urges members to pass a relief package as quickly as possible that provides assistance for families, workers, and small businesses,” Romney’s office wrote in a statement.
