Donald Trump and his wife Melania have tested positive for coronavirus and entered self-isolation.
The US President and First Lady each took a Covid-19 test after Hope Hicks, one of Mr Trump’s top aides, tested positive.
The cabal of advisers surrounding top politicians are supposed to stay in the background. But with the US presidential election thrown into disarray weeks before polling day, the aide at the centre of it all has been thrust into the spotlight.
How is Hope Hicks connected to Donald Trump?
Ms Hicks serves as counsellor to the president and is among a tight group of advisers surrounding him.
The 31-year-old is one of the president’s most trusted aides, and previously served as White House communications director and rejoined the administration this year ahead of the election.
She is the most senior of multiple White House staffers to have tested positive for the virus, including Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, as well as one of the president’s personal valets.
When did Hope Hicks test positive for Covid-19?
Ms Hicks tested positive on Thursday, an administration official told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Other reports suggested she was diagnosed on Wednesday, but the White House would not comment on the specifics.
