[511] Trump administration political appointees at HHS sought to control CDC communications to the public that undermined Trump's claims that the pandemic was under control. CDC resisted many of the changes, but increasingly allowed HHS personnel to review articles and suggest changes before publication.[512][513] Trump alleged without evidence that FDA scientists were part of a "deep state" opposing him, and delaying approval of vaccines and treatments to hurt him politically.[514]

Outbreak at the White House
Main article: White House COVID-19 outbreak
Trump boards helicopter for COVID-19 treatment on October 2, 2020.
On October 2, 2020, Trump tweeted that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[515][516] His wife, their son Barron, and numerous staff members and visitors also became infected.[517][518]
Later that day Trump was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, reportedly due to labored breathing and a fever. He was treated with antiviral and experimental antibody drugs and a steroid. He returned to the White House on October 5, still struggling with the disease.[519] During and after his treatment he continued to downplay the virus.