UK PM Johnson says ‘resilient’ Trump will make strong recovery

LONDON: British Prime Minster Boris Johnson said on Saturday he has no doubt US President Donald Trump will make a very strong recovery from COVID-19, calling him a very “resilient character.”

Johnson, who himself was hospitalized with the coronavirus in April, was speaking to reporters ahead of a call about Brexit with the European Union later on Saturday.

“I’ve no doubt that he will, he’ll make a very strong recovery,” said Johnson. “He’s a naturally obviously very resilient character and I’m sure he’ll come through it very well.”

Trump, who announced early on Friday he had contracted coronavirus, was taken on Friday evening to a military hospital near Washington for treatment as a precautionary measure, the White House said.

Johnson was due to speak to the head of the EU’s executive, Ursula von der Leyen, to agree next steps after the bloc launched a legal case against Britain over moving to undercut their Brexit divorce treaty.

“I think there’s a good deal to be done,” Johnson said when asked about the pair’s future relations.

He said that the UK continued to push for a Canada-style deal with the EU, but if that wasn’t possible then it would want a deal similar to the one the EU has with Australia. The country was prepared for either outcome, he said.

“We think there’s a big opportunity for both sides to do well,” Johnson added.