White House political director tests positive for COVID-19 after attending election night event: report

Another member of the Trump administration has tested positive for the coronavirus after attending the election night celebration held at the White House.

Brian Jack, White House political director, reportedly tested positive over the weekend, according to sources who spoke to The New York Times.

White House officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill. 

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and adviser David Bossie have all tested positive, as well.

Another unnamed White House aide has apparently tested positive for COVID-19, though it was unclear whether they attended the election night event, according to the Times.

Hundreds of people attended the event on Tuesday night and many were observed not wearing masks or practicing social distancing. 

Concerns have been raised that this event could potentially become a “superspreader” event much like the Rose Garden ceremony in September to announce the nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. More than 30 people who attended the event contracted the virus, including the president and first lady.

Trump’s use of the White House for campaign events was seen as going against presidential norms. His campaign originally planned to host an election night event at Trump International Hotel in D.C., but attributed the change of plans to the city’s strict COVID-19 safety guidelines. Current rules limit gatherings to 50 people.