With Aides Testing Positive One After Another, President Trump Also Infected... Concerns Over White House Paralysis

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Concerns are rising that White House operations might be paralyzed as U.S. President Donald Trump has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This comes after several White House staff members were infected, and on the 2nd (local time), both President Trump and First Lady Melania tested positive for COVID-19.

President Trump underwent testing after Hope Hicks, a White House aide, tested positive for COVID-19 the previous day.

Hicks, a close aide to President Trump, frequently accompanied him on the campaign trail, including the presidential debate held on September 29 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Associated Press noted, "Hicks traveled with President Trump, his family, and a senior aide on the presidential helicopter to Cleveland on September 29, the location of the debate. They did not wear masks at the debate venue."

There is also concern that additional infections could emerge among key White House staff members working there.

Regarding additional infection control measures, the White House stated on the 2nd that an epidemiological investigation is underway for the President and First Lady, and that close contacts will receive appropriate notifications and guidelines.

Prior to Hicks, Robert O'Brien, the White House National Security Advisor, tested positive for COVID-19 in July.

O'Brien, a top official overseeing the National Security Council (NSC), commuted daily to the West Wing where the President's office is located and was tested for COVID-19 every day, making his positive diagnosis a significant controversy.

Additionally, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the political fundraising director for President Trump's campaign and girlfriend of his eldest son Donald Trump Jr., as well as Katie Miller, spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence, have also tested positive for COVID-19.

Members of the Marine helicopter squadron operating the presidential helicopter Marine One, as well as Secret Service (SS) agents, have also contracted COVID-19.

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