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Trump went to Oval Office after return from hospital, aides have to be in PPE for going near him, says adviser

Larry Kudlow made the revelation while appearing on CNBC's Squawk Box and said that Trump went to the Oval Office with 'extra precautions'

President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on Tuesday, October 6, despite being sick with Covid-19, senior White House aide Larry Kudlow revealed on Wednesday, October 7. Trump's economic adviser's remarks, however, triggered chaos in the White House, with many advisers claiming that the president had done no such thing.

Kudlow made the revelation while appearing on CNBC's Squawk Box and said that Trump went to the Oval Office with "extra precautions," however, refused to mention what the precautions were except claiming that they were "much greater than simply masking."

Within minutes of Kudlow's statement, however, the White House chief of staff Mark Meadows made contrary remarks, stating that the president had not been in the Oval Office and that he was planning to go back later on October 7. Meadows' adviser and White House Senior Communications Adviser Ben Williamson also stated that Trump stayed in his residence. "While the President wanted to be in the Oval Office yesterday, he was not there — he stayed back in the residence working from there," Williamson said. "Safety preparations have been underway in the event he moves to working out of the Oval in the coming days."

Reports also state that any White House staff member who comes in contact with the president has to wear PPE equipment, including yellow gowns, surgical masks, and disposable protective eye covers. The West Wing, as of Tuesday, October 6, was reportedly virtually empty as nearly two dozen aides, advisers and officials closer to Trump's inner circle were tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the last week.

Those staff members who were tested negative have been advised to work from home, according to a report by The New York Times. Some aides also told the outlet that although Trump sounded stronger than before his arrival at the White House on Monday night, they believe he appears attempting to catch his breath at times.

Despite the White House suggesting that Kudlow misspoke about Trump returning to the White House, many social media users said that they believed his economic adviser's account and slammed Trump for risking other staff members. One user wrote: "Trump can't function if he isn't giving orders. Trump probably summoned Kudlow to Oval for some BS that could have been taken care of over the phone. If Trump ripped his mask off as soon as he got to the WH residence, you know he won't wear a mask NOW or in the future. No Cares." While another added: "They need to put him in a bubble suit, then tell him may the force be with you."

A third wrote: "That’s just great that Trump’s Republican minions can’t keep the SUPERSPREADER COVID President out of Oval Office! Soon no one in the WH will be COVID free! He’s totally out of control with his drugs!" A fourth added: "WH says Trump didn't go to the Oval Office which means he absolutely did go to the Oval Office. Be prepared for more cases of Covid-19 at the WH."

Trump was flown to the Walter Reed Medical Center last weekend after a reported dip in his oxygen levels. His doctors have said that the president was treated with supplemental oxygen at least two times since they began his treatment. Doctors have also expressed concerns over the powerful steroids the president has been prescribed in his Covid-19 treatment, stating that those drugs have significant side effects including causing agitation, mania, psychosis, and feelings in invincibility.