WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, the wife of one of President Donald Trump’s senior advisors, has tested positive for the coronavirus, raising alarm about the virus’ potential spread within the White House’s inner most circle.
Katie Miller, press secretary for U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, helps prepare for the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 10, 2020. Picture taken March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
The diagnosis of Katie Miller, who is married to White House immigration adviser Stephen Miller, was revealed by Trump in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Friday, a day after news that Trump’s personal valet had tested positive for the virus.
“Katie, she tested very good for a long period of time and then all of a sudden today she tested positive,” Trump said, noting he himself had not been in contact with her but that she had spent time with the vice president. “I understand Mike has been tested…and he tested negative.”
Despite Trump’s comments, the two cases in quick succession heightened fears of contagion for the president and vice president, who are leading the U.S. response to the pandemic, and who have both resumed robust travel and business schedules even as the U.S. death toll from the virus has topped 75,000.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Friday sought to defend administration efforts to protect Trump a