President Trump appeared surprised to hear that Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney was quarantined after being exposed to someone with the coronavirus.
“Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad,” he told reporters on Sunday.
When asked if he was being sarcastic, the president said he was not. His response, however, was still perceived by some as a jab, with Republican Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger saying, “No petty shots please, until this all passes.”
My prayers for @MittRomney @RandPaul and every American facing this virus. No petty shots please, until this all passes. https://t.co/LMRsODJ9Zp
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) March 22, 2020
Romney was advised to self-quarantine after having contact with Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who announced Sunday he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Since Senator Romney sat next to Senator Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidelines, the attending physician ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor. He has no symptoms but will be tested,” Romney’s office said in a statement.
Paul attended a Republican Senate luncheon on Friday and was reportedly spotted using the Senate gym on Sunday morning.
Romney has been a thorn in Trump’s side at times. He was the only Republican to vote in favor of convicting Trump for abuse of power during the president’s impeachment trial.
