President Donald Trump has 'minor' COVID symptoms and reportedly fell asleep on Air Force One on Wednesday night but flew to New Jersey for a campaign fundraiser the next day even after his aides had been told that Hope Hicks had tested positive. 

Trump is reportedly determined to deliver a TV address to prove to the nation he is still fit to lead after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the early hours of Friday morning. Both he and First Lady Melania Trump - who also tested positive - are isolating in the White House residence. Melania tweeted on Friday that she too has 'mild symptoms'.  

'Thank you for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery,' she said. 

There are major questions about when the White House learned Hicks had tested positive, and why Trump - who has been in close contact with her for the last week - still went to a campaign event in New Jersey after his staff learned of her diagnosis.  

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Friday told reporters that they discovered Hicks had tested positive on Thursday afternoon, just as the President was preparing to travel to Bedminster, New Jersey, for a campaign fundraiser at his golf club, where he is reported to have come into contact with at least 100 people, at around 3pm.