President Trump dipped his toe into the campaign waters Saturday, making his first public appearance since returning to the White House Monday after a three-day stay in the hospital to treat COVID-19. Trump stood alone, maskless, and spoke to several hundred people gathered on the lawn below for what was called “a peaceful protest for law & order.” During the protests for racial justice the past few months that have sometimes turned into unrest and rioting, Trump has campaigned on a law-and-order theme, and said Saturday that police forces across the US support him.

“We have law enforcement watching,” he said. “We’re on the side of right.”

In an appearance on Fox News on Friday evening, Trump said he has been tested again for the virus but did not disclose the result. He also said he had stopped taking medications to combat COVID-19. “I feel really strong,” Trump said. Trump appeared to be back to his usual self, speaking off-the-cuff and boasting about his record for the crowd of supporters who packed the White House lawn.

The President also spoke about COVID-19 and said a vaccine is being rapidly developed.

“It’s going to disappear, it is disappearing,” Mr. Trump said about the virus, which has killed over 210,000 Americans.

President Donald Trump speaks from the Blue Room Balcony of the White House to a crowd of supporters, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The event was coordinated with Candace Owens’ Blexit group and attended by conservative activists. Mr. Trump slammed his opponent Joe Biden, saying he had “betrayed” Black Americans. “Sleepy Joe Biden has betrayed Black and Latino Americans. If you think he can run this country, you’re wrong,” Trump said.

In the coming week, Trump will be traveling for the firs time since leaving the hospital. He plans to attend a rally in Florida, as well as another in Pennsylvania, despite the fact that he has yet to provide evidence he is no longer positive for COVID-19.

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