Trump Anti-Immigration Policy Architect Also Infected with COVID-19... 'Situation Spreading Like Wildfire'

Closest aide Steven Miller tests positive
Coast Guard Deputy Commander also positive, military leadership on alert... Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in self-quarantine

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is spreading not only in the White House but also throughout the executive branch. Following the successive COVID-19 confirmations among White House officials including spokespersons, some generals in the U.S. military leadership have also been infected, prompting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and other commanders to enter quarantine.

White House, USA
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 6th (local time), Charles Ray, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, tested positive for COVID-19, leading those who attended meetings with him to begin self-quarantine. High-ranking military officials, including Chairman Milley who met with Vice Commandant Ray, have entered self-quarantine. Foreign media reported that Charles Brown, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, and John Raymond, Commander of Space Operations Command, are working from home. Chairman Milley and others have tested negative.

The infection among White House staff, which began with senior advisor Hope Hicks, is spreading like wildfire. Steven Miller, a senior advisor and close aide to President Donald Trump, also tested positive for COVID-19 on the same day. Advisor Miller is known for designing anti-immigration policies as one of President Trump's closest aides.

Additionally, two White House staff members who carry the nuclear football required for the president to authorize a nuclear strike have contracted COVID-19.

So far, Kellyanne Conway, former senior counselor to the White House, Bill Stepien, campaign manager, and Kayleigh McEnany, spokesperson, have all tested positive. At least three White House press corps members have also been confirmed with COVID-19.

Steven Miller, Senior Advisor to the White House
[Photo by Reuters]

The schedule for the presidential debate has also become uncertain. Despite President Trump’s intention to proceed with the second TV debate scheduled for the 15th despite his COVID-19 infection, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden expressed concerns, stating, "If President Trump has not fully recovered from COVID-19, the debate should not take place."

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