The duo were tested after Hope Hicks, a top adviser and trusted aide, was also found positive earlier.

Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020

"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump Tweeted.

CNN also shared a press release by White House physician Dr. Sean P. Conley confirming the news.

"This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

"The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.

"The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country's greatest medical professionals and institutions.

"Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments," the statement read.

Trump, the biggest driver of COVID-19 misinformation

Just hours before the president's announcement, several news channels including the New York Times, AFP and Forbes, shared a study by Cornell University that showed Trump was the "single largest driver" of coronavirus misinformation.

Researchers looked at 38 million English-language articles by traditional media worldwide between 1 January and 26 May.

They found that Trump's comments on "miracle cures" such as the possibility of using disinfectants inside the body to cure the coronavirus and his promotion unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquin did cause a spike in talks surrounding the topic.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Trump had downplayed the seriousness of the virus and has repeatedly said that it will go away.

The US has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases in the world with 7.13 million cases and over 208,000 deaths as of 2 October 2020.