Sen. Graham: Trump ‘Sounds Terrific,’ Supports New Stimulus Deal

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), listens during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on Sept. 16, 2020. (Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images)

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he spoke with President Donald Trump over the phone, saying the president “sounds terrific” and continues to support the confirmation process for Amy Coney Barrett as well as stimulus measures.

“Just spoke with President @realDonaldTrump and he sounds terrific—very engaged and ready to get back to work!” Graham wrote on Twitter. “He’s also very excited about Judge Amy Coney Barrett being confirmed to the Supreme Court and focused on a good deal to help stimulate the economy.”

Graham’s comments came as White House chief of staff Mark Meadows stated Monday that he’s “optimistic” about Trump coming back to the White House by the end of Monday after being diagnosed with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

“We’re still optimistic that based on his unbelievable progress and how strong he’s been in terms of his fight against this [COVID-19] disease that he will be released, but that decision won’t be made until later today,” Meadows told Fox News. “Obviously, this is an important day as the president continues to improve and ready to get back to a normal work schedule,” he added.

Trump on Sunday night drove by supporters near Walter Reed hospital, waving at them while being escorted in an SUV. He was wearing a mask.

The president also wrote a number of Twitter posts on Monday morning, calling on people to vote for him while touting his administration’s policies. He also said that “A MASSIVE TAX INCREASE” will be meted out if Democrat nominee Joe Biden wins the presidency.

Doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, said on Sunday they’re treating Trump, 74, with a steroid, dexamethasone. Trump was running a high fever on Friday and had been given supplemental oxygen after his blood oxygen levels dropped, confirmed Dr. Sean P. Conley, the White House physician.

However, the doctors appeared optimistic and said he is improving.

A car with President Donald Trump drives past supporters in a motorcade outside of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Oct. 4, 2020. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images)

Graham’s comments also come as White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she tested positive for the virus.

“Moreover, I definitely had no knowledge of Hope Hicks’ diagnosis prior to holding a White House press briefing on Thursday,” she said, adding that “as an essential worker, I have worked diligently to provide needed information to the American people at this time.”

“With my recent positive test,” McEnany added, “I will begin my quarantine process and will continue working on behalf of the American people remotely.”