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Trump says he will take Covid vaccine but only at the 'appropriate time', critics baffled by his selfless tweet

'Medical staff and those at high risk should have the vaccine available to them first because they are most in need of it,' one user wrote

On Sunday, December 13, President Donald Trump posted a seemingly selfless tweet about not being the first ones to receive the Pfizer vaccine for the coronavirus after it was approved by the FDA for emergency use. His tweet which declared that he is not currently scheduled to take the vaccine confounded his critics. "People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary. I have asked that this adjustment be made. I am not scheduled to take the vaccine but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time. Thank you!" Trump tweeted. 

Even the people who were not big fans of Trump and usually did not agree with him found themselves unable to disagree with the president on Sunday. "I actually agree. Medical staff and those at high risk should have the vaccine available to them first because they are most in need of it," one of them said while another tweeted, "Something I finally agree with you on." A third noted, "I think that is the right thing to do. Thank you x"

One more quipped, "Omg. You’re finally doing something for this country." The next remarked, "Possibly the first tweet that makes sense." A person commented, "Glad to hear this—hopefully the order will be complied with." Another tweeted, "If true, this is one of the very few things you’ve said or done that I agree with. Thank you." A commenter added, "All medical professionals should receive the first vaccines. We need them to keep us well and alive." Another added, "Well, I can agree with ya on this move. Our front line workers need to get it first!" One more wrote, "Wow. Someone must have taken over his Twitter."

However, there were those who were still skeptical of Trump's sudden change of tone, speculating that the POTUS might have a hidden agenda in this too. "At the appropriate time? When is that? When you will see what kind of side effects are possible?" one of them wrote, while another critic said, "Probably just waiting to see what negative side effects shake out first. We're the last stage of testing." One more tweeted, "Probably should get it now before jail."

Trump's tweet came after Bloomberg News reported that some officials at the top of the U.S. government would be receiving Covid-19 vaccines this week. Apparently, Trump was also offered the vaccine but he never confirmed whether he would take it because he has already recovered from Covid-19. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said Sunday evening, before the president’s tweet, that key officials across the three branches of government would receive Pfizer vaccine.

“Senior officials across all three branches of government will receive vaccinations pursuant to the continuity of government protocols established in executive policy,” said spokesperson John Ullyot, reported the Associated Press on Sunday evening. “The American people should have confidence that they are receiving the same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals and national security leadership.”