Higgs Revealed, Jokes to Trump "Now We Can Share the Mic"

President Trump and Advisor Hicks
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Hope Hicks, an aide presumed to have caused the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within the White House, appeared in public for the first time in two weeks.

According to foreign media on the 16th (local time), Hicks appeared after nearly two weeks at a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump held at Ocala International Airport in Florida.

During his speech that day, President Trump said, "I will convey optimism, opportunity, and hope," adding, "I just said hope, and coincidentally, Hope Hicks is here," introducing the aide.

President Trump called Hicks onto the stage, saying, "We want Hope," prompting supporters to chant the slogan.

Responding to President Trump's request, Hicks took the stage and, with a brief joke, "Now we can share the microphone," expressed gratitude to President Trump and the audience before saying, "I have stage fright," and stepping down.

Higgs aide waving hand
Photo by AP Yonhap News

Hicks was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the 1st but recovered and reportedly returned to the White House a few days ago. After Hicks, who had boarded the presidential plane and helicopter, tested positive, President Trump and First Lady Melania were also tested and diagnosed positive the following day.

The exact infection route of President Trump has not been clarified, but there has been speculation that Hicks was the person who triggered the cluster COVID-19 infection within the White House.

It is presumed that President Trump tried to suggest that COVID-19 is not dangerous by putting Hicks forward at the Florida rally, a key battleground for winning the election.

Meanwhile, Hicks, 31 years old this year and a former model, was selected by the Trump Group due to her connection working with Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka. She worked as a media aide in the 2016 presidential campaign and rose to become the White House Communications Director.

She reportedly left the White House for two years and rejoined in March, and is known to have earned President Trump's special trust, being called a "door knob power."