Trump Tests Positive for COVID-19, O'Brien Says "Haven't Seen Him Recently"

Concerns Over Infection Risk Prompt Action
White House Confirms NSC Advisor O'Brien Infected
White House Also Declares Emergency Following North Korea's Health Crisis Shift

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 27th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he has not recently been in contact with Robert O'Brien, the White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Before departing for North Carolina that day, President Trump told reporters, when asked "Have you seen Robert O'Brien recently?" "No. I have not seen him recently."

When asked about O'Brien's condition, President Trump said, "I heard he was tested. I have not seen him," adding, "I will call him later."

When asked "When did Advisor O'Brien first test positive?" President Trump repeatedly said, "I don't know. I don't know."

Advisor O'Brien is the first high-ranking White House official confirmed with COVID-19. His infection has raised concerns around the White House about the risk of President Trump's infection as well as a potential national security gap.

The White House emphasized, "(The virus) poses no risk of exposure to the President or Vice President," and "The work of the National Security Council (NSC) will continue without interruption."

Coincidentally, O'Brien's positive diagnosis was announced after North Korea declared a quarantine emergency following reports that a suspected COVID-19 defector from North Korea had crossed into South Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.