Donald Trump says ‘I’m feeling great’ in first speech since coronavirus diagnosis

Donald Trump on the White House balcony

Credit: Reuters

Donald Trump said he "feels great" as he made his first public speech since being diagnosed with coronavirus.

The US president stood on a balcony at the White House, delivering an address to a crowd of a few hundred black supporters.

Mr Trump emerged in a mask, then took it off to speak.

He spoke for 18 minutes, without coughing, and appeared well.

He said: "I’m feeling great. We got to vote these people [Democrats] into oblivion, get rid of them."

Mr Trump addressing the crowd

Credit: AP

The event was billed as a "peaceful protest for law and order"

Supporters Mr Trump spoke to were mostly wearing masks but did not appear to be socially distanced, standing  shoulder to shoulder.

It was nine days since Mr Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis.

He had earlier said he was no longer taking medication, including the steroid dexamethasone.

The crowd chanted "We love you, we love you."

Mr Trump said: "Get out and vote, and I love you."

The black crowd booed when the president mentioned Kamala Harris, the Democrat vice-presidential nominee, and the first black woman on a presidential ticket. 

Mr Trump taking off his mask

Credit: Reuters

Mr Trump said the Democrat platform was "beyond socialism"  and "communist, that’s about right". 

He said: "Our black community, our Hispanic community, thank you.

"I know you’ve been praying. In that hospital I was watching over so many people, it’s been an incredible outpouring.

Supporters wore masks but were not socially distanced

Credit: AP

"We cannot allow our country to become a socialist nation. That’s what would happen or worse. Our nation is going to defeat this terrible China virus.

"We are healing the sick and going to recover, and the vaccine is coming out in record time.

"The power of American spirit, science, medicine, will eliminate the China virus all over the world."

The crowd at the White House

Credit: AP

The president added that "Sleepy Joe Biden has betrayed black Americans" and was "selling you out to Wall Street donors" and launching a "crusade" against law and order.

He also said there would be ballot fraud, adding: "I think we’re going to swamp them by so much it doesn’t matter."