Donald Trump’s advisor Hope Hicks, who flew with him for Tuesday’s debate, has coronavirus

Hope Hicks, one of the closest advisors of US President Donald Trump, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, AFP reported quoting the US media. 

She initially served as the White House director of strategic communication, followed by her stint as the interim communications director.

In February this year, she was appointed as an aide to Trump’s son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner. She is also serving as a counselor to Trump.

Hicks traveled with the President on Air Force One this Tuesday to fly to Cleveland for the first presidential debate with Democrat Joe Biden.

She was also with him on the Marine One helicopter Wednesday when he flew back to the White House after a rally in Minnesota.

Although the US media has reported that she has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House hasn’t confirmed the reports, as this would immediately turn the spotlight on Trump.

The USA is the worst-hit nation by coronavirus, with over 7.2 million cases and 207,791 deaths, as per the tally of John Hopkins University.