WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump’s positive test for COVID-19 is disrupting the White House, Washington, and his reelection campaign. 

Lawmakers shared their hope for the president and first lady’s speedy recovery, as others said this could be a learning moment.

President Trump’s rigorous schedule will be on an indefinite hold as he and the first lady get medical treatment. The White House said there might be virtual events.

Surrogates will continue to campaign for the president, but some political experts, like Jesse Lee, said anyone who has recently been near the president should be in quarantine.

“The right thing for President Trump to do is to get rest. I’ve known a lot of people that have had the coronavirus, and it’s a significant ailment,” Lee said.

Lee is the vice president of communications at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

He worked under the Obama administration, most recently in rapid response and on the Affordable Care Act.

The public has consistently dealt low marks for President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and Democrats have criticized the president for downplaying the virus and mocking wearing masks.

Because of that, and the latest turn of events, Lee said this COVID-19 test signals potentially damaging news to the president’s reelection. Lee said this could be, though, an opportunity for the president to change strategies when addressing COVID-19.

“It’s come at a grave cost to the country and now it’s coming at a grave cost to him and his family,” Lee said. “It’s sad and tragic to all those who have died; it’s tragic for him and his family. If he wants to convince America that he deserves another four years, to reckon with that.” 

Lee said if the White House wants to keep everyone safe, they would help make the upcoming presidential debates virtual, no matter how the president is feeling. According to Lee, the same goes for the vice presidential debate as Vice President Mike Pence has been near the president and others who may be at risk.

“The people that I have known to have the coronavirus, it went on for weeks and weeks. It was not a two-day flu situation. So realistically, I think all of these debates should happen online and the president should certainly not be doing any more in-person rallies. He should not be exerting himself in any way,” Lee said.

Lee said if the upcoming debates are virtual, it might actually help keep them under control.

Pence tested negative for the virus and will resume all campaign events, according to the White House.

The White House said any events involving members of the First Family are temporarily postponed and all other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis, saying they will make more announcements in the coming days.