Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump’s closest aides, has tested positive for coronavirus, one current and one former White House official confirmed on Thursday.
Hicks, a counselor to the president, had traveled with Trump on Tuesday for his debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden in Cleveland. She was seen traveling on Air Force One without a mask. She also traveled with the president during his rally in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Trump said during a Thursday night interview with Fox News‘ Sean Hannity that he and first lady Melania Trump had been tested for the virus and were waiting for the results.
Hicks is one of the most senior aides to the president to have tested positive for the virus. National security adviser Robert O’Brien tested positive for the virus in July, as did a number of Secret Service agents. Katie Miller, a spokeswoman for Vice President Mike Pence, tested positive in May, and a Brazilian dinner companion of the president tested positive back in March.
White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement on Thursday night: “White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling.“
“The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously,“ the statement said.
Prior to her current role, Hicks served as White House communications director and on the 2016 Trump campaign’s press team. Bloomberg News first reported Hicks‘ test results.
Hicks‘ diagnosis is likely to amplify criticism against Trump for his cavalier approach toward coronavirus precautions. His campaign rallies often feature large crowds of supporters tightly packed together, many without masks. He has also resumed indoor campaign events, even though health officials advise against crowded enclosed spaces. During his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, a legion of supporters gathered on the White House grounds, many without masks.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said over the summer that the president was tested frequently for the virus. White House staffers were also notified in August that they would subject to random coronavirus screenings.
