Trump’s national security adviser tests positive for Covid-19
Jul 27, 2020, 7:53 AM | Updated: 7:56 am
New national security advisor Robert O'Brien speaks with US Presdent Donlad Trump (not shown) on September 18, 2019 at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California. - Last week, Trump abruptly fired John Bolton, a vigorous proponent of using US military force abroad and one of the main hawks in the administration on Iran. O'Brien has until now served as Trump's envoy for situations involving US hostages abroad. He comes into the new job with backing from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior Republicans in Congress. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP) (Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien has tested positive for the coronavirus — making him the highest-ranking official to test positive so far.
That’s according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss it by name.
The White House confirmed that O’Brien has mild symptoms and “has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off-site,” adding that: “There is no risk of exposure to the President or the Vice President” and that the “work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted.”
The news was first reported by Bloomberg News, which said O’Brien came down with the virus after a family event.
A personal valet to the president and the vice president’s press secretary previously tested positive for the virus, which has now infected more than 4 million people nationwide.
Senior White House staff and anyone who comes into close contact with the president and vice president are tested for the virus every day.
