Trump thanks front-line workers at night one of convention

President Trump met with front-line workers in his first appearance during the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday.

Trump appeared on video with a group of front-line workers — including two nurses, a postal worker, a truck driver, a custodian and a police officer — in the East Room of the White House.

“These are the incredible workers that helped us so much with [COVID-19],” Trump told the group of individuals. “These are great, great people, doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen. We want to thank you.”

Trump took a few minutes to speak to each participant, asking them about their careers and experiences during the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to the postal worker, Trump insisted that his administration is “taking good care of our postal workers.” The Trump administration has recently come under scrutiny for its decision to make changes to postal operations.

One of the nurses, who identified herself as a nurse supervisor in New Jersey, praised Trump for his leadership and “positive spirit.”

“I’m for the nurses. I’m for the doctors. I’m for everybody. We just have to make sure this China virus goes away, and it’s happening,” Trump responded.

Neither Trump nor the participants wore masks. The White House has been testing Trump daily for the coronavirus and tests everyone who comes in close contact with the president.

Much of Monday’s program was devoted to presenting a positive portrait of Trump and his administration’s response to COVID-19 after the Democratic National Convention featured biting criticism of the president’s response to the virus.

Polls show that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus, which poses a major hurdle for the president as he seeks reelection. The virus has killed nearly 180,000 people in the U.S.

According to campaign officials, Trump will make an appearance each of the four nights of the convention, including his formal nomination acceptance speech on Thursday, which will be carried live from the White House.

Earlier Monday, Trump made a surprise visit at the convention nominating proceedings in Charlotte, N.C., where he delivered remarks shortly after he was officially tapped for the 2020 GOP presidential ticket.