(CNN)
A member of the US Navy who serves as one of President Donald Trump's
personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus, CNN learned
Thursday, raising concerns about the President's possible exposure to
the virus.
The valets are members of an elite military unit
dedicated to the White House and often work very close to the President
and first family. Trump was upset when he was informed Wednesday that
the valet had tested positive, a source told CNN, and the President was
subsequently tested again by the White House physician.
In a statement, the White House confirmed CNN's reporting that one of the President's staffers had tested positive.
"We
were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of
the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has
tested positive for Coronavirus," deputy White House press secretary
Hogan Gidley said in a statement. "The President and the Vice President
have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great
health."
Valets assist the President and first family with a
variety of personal tasks. They are responsible for the President's food
and beverage not only in the West Wing but also travel with him when
he's on the road or out of the country. Past presidents have relied on
them not only for these matters, but also as confidants. The valets have
an inside view to a president's personal life like few others.
A
White House source said the valet, a man who has not been identified,
exhibited "symptoms" Wednesday morning, and said the news that someone
close to Trump had tested positive for coronavirus was "hitting the fan"
in the West Wing.
Trump, who is a self-described germophobe, has
chastised aides before who coughed or sneezed in his presence. He has
claimed to rarely get sick himself.
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