While NASA officials have urged the public not to mass near the Kennedy Space Center for next week's manned test flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft because of Coronavirus concerns, President Donald Trump indicated Thursday he may be ready for a VIP visit.
"I'm thinking about going, that will be next week, to the rocket launch," the President told reporters before leaving for a day trip to Michigan.
The test flight, which would be the first manned space flight launched from the U.S. in almost nine years, is set for May 27.
Mr. Trump playfully jabbed at reporters about a possible visit to the launch.
"I hope you're all going to join me. I'd like to put you on the rocket, get rid of you for a while," the President said.
Trump says he's considering heading to Florida for next week's space launch, then jokes "I hope you're all gonna join me. I'd like to put you in the rocket and get rid of you for a while." pic.twitter.com/4z4NTVrVT4
— Dave Brown (@dave_brown24) May 21, 2020
A possible trip to Florida next week comes as President Trump presses states to drop their Coronavirus restrictions, and allow shuttered businesses to re-open.
Mr. Trump has been traveling more frequently in recent weeks, going to Michigan on Thursday, Pennsylvania last week, and Arizona earlier this month.
The White House has indicated Mr. Trump will go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore on Monday to celebrate Memorial Day.
But that does not mean local political dignitaries will be on hand.
Gov Hogan Press office on President Trump’s visit : “We are honored that the president and the first lady have chosen to spend Memorial Day at Fort McHenry” Monday is the governor's birthday, and he has plans to mark the day at home with his family.”
— David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) May 21, 2020
President Trump also indicated on Thursday that the meeting of the G7 nations would be held next month despite the virus, possibly split between Washington and Camp David.
Cox Media Group